This content is shared by Contractor In Charge.
Are we moving into a new normal? COVID-19’s economic disruption has caused businesses to either re-examine how they do business or cease to exist. The harsh reality is that companies that try to return to business as usual may find it hard to survive.
Companies are working to find ways to protect their employees and their businesses. Even businesses that were in the unique position to do well are realizing the gaps in their structure due to outdated and inefficient business processes. While some businesses are focused solely on survival, others are taking advantage of this opportunity to update and change their procedures.
Look for ways to reduce your technicians time in the field. Are there tasks they can perform prior to arrival to minimize their time in the home?
Investigate and fix problems in processes. Look at ways to automate workflows or manual processes in your company. Minimizing time spent on manual processes can add significantly to profit margins. This will also allow employees to accept work that may be more challenging and of higher value to your company.
Update your policies and procedures to reflect the changes to your company’s processes that you have implemented. This will save you time and money when training new or existing employees.
Do you really need a person in your office from 8 to 5? If you have someone there strictly for deliveries, is there a way to change this? Most companies are sending invoices, bills and notifications via email. While you are at it, do you really need the office space you have? The concept of an open office workspace is no longer an option. Is it financially and logistically an option to modify this?
Look outside of our industry. Home health care, pest control, food delivery services, to name a few. What changes have they made that you can implement in your own business?
Consider outsourcing. Imagine being able to hire the best in the country, not just the best in your area. When implemented correctly, outsourcing certain positions and tasks within your company is seamless, providing your customers with the same level, if not better, of service they were receiving before. Again, this will allow your employees to take on tasks that will generate more revenue for your company.
Realize that change is hard. To keep your employees engaged, be sure to communicate with them regarding changes that may affect them. Get their input. What worked, what did they struggle with. How can the changes that your company is implementing alleviate these challenges?
There is a quote by Jim Rohn that I think is very fitting in today’s world:
“Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.”
We all hope we don’t have to go through another situation like this. I urge you to take the time to study your company and make the changes needed to guarantee your success in the future. We will face crisis again, whether it be a regional weather emergency or a worldwide pandemic. The difference between the companies that survive and those that don’t is their ability to accept that change will happen and their response to it. Do not leave your success to chance.