Happy New Year! For many businesses, the end of a tough 2020 is certainly worth celebrating.
The great news is that 2021 is already looking promising. Restrictions have eased – albeit with some fluctuations! – business confidence and activity is up, and the economy is showing signs of recovery. People are slowly returning to work, especially in the CBD areas which have been particularly hard-hit.
So, how can you prepare for 2021? Here are three New Year’s resolutions for 2021 to best position your business for the year ahead.
Ensure you’re COVID-safe
Did you know that in NSW the penalties for breaching Public Health Orders can be as high as $55,000, with a further $27,500 penalty possible for each day an offence continues? For repeated non-compliance, businesses may be shut down for periods of up to a month. Every state and territory is enforcing similar penalties.
With many workers now returning to the office as work at home orders are repealed, now is the time to ensure your business is COVID-safe.
Prepare a COVID-19 Safety Plan which complies with state and industry requirements and adjust your operations accordingly. The plan will be designed to minimise the risk of transmission through measures such as wearing masks when required, social distancing and hygiene practices.
A big component of creating a COVID-safe workplace is education and compliance. It’s all about ensuring that staff understand and support COVID-safe practices. There are some simple ways to make this happen. Signage or posters for hygiene practices like washing hands can be a useful reminder. Floor decals can help people monitor and adhere to social distancing requirements. Having hand sanitiser on hand is also helpful. These small investments will ensure you’re compliant and will ensure you avoid any penalties, saving you significant hardship down the track.
Connect with your customers
Now is an excellent time to let your customers or clients know you’re still here and open for business. 2021 is the time to put your best foot forward and connect with your customers after a quieter 2020.
Consider investing in signage or banners to convert foot traffic and remind customers your business and premises are open. Marketing materials like flyers or brochures are a great way to expose prospects and customers to your business and convert sales. Communicating via digital channels such as your website, digital marketing or social media will also be extremely important.
Support your employees
Now that you’re returning to the office, it will be important to ensure employees feel supported and welcomed. Think about ways you can make their job back in the office easier and more enjoyable such as gifting them personalised stationery or providing other incentives. The transition back to the office may be a little strange and unfamiliar, so helping employees with the shift will be appreciated.
