As we shift from modified enhanced community quarantine to general community quarantine (GCQ), business owners especially micro, small, and medium enterprises have a little more leeway to operate their business as GCQ have a more relaxed set of guidelines.

But before getting overwhelmed about the idea of opening your business, here are the things you should consider when operating your business during GCQ:

1. Do a physical audit of your entire workforce

Before allowing your employees to get back to work, ensure that your team has not contacted any known cases of COVID-19 within the last 14 days. For your team members who are showing signs and symptoms or who have been in contact with COVID-19 cases, you should extend their quarantine for another 14 days and implement remote work set up instead.

2.  Follow basic health protocols and procedure

Preventing the spread of coronavirus within your employees and keeping them healthy should be one of your top priorities. Sure, your business is greatly affected with the two-month lockdown with no sales coming in, but that should not be the reason for you to not prioritize your health and your employees. After all, without your employees, your business cannot fully operate.

Basic health procedures to do

• Clean and disinfect your office
• Wear facemask and provide antiseptic disinfectant
• Conduct regular temperature check
• Provide questionnaire on COVID-19 symptoms
• Practice physical distancing

3. Fulfil and comply with all legal obligations

Before reopening your business, make sure that you follow and meet all legal obligations in the jurisdiction your business is in. With the current situation, there may be changes in policies that can affect your business. You
also need to make sure that you are able to file and submit annual filings and renewals.

4. Meet your team and discuss how the business should move forward

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the way you do business that you never imagined. Conducting an alignment meeting – ensure that you follow physical distancing guidelines – is essential so your team can propose solutions or suggestions on how your business can move forward. This is also the chance for them to ask questions regarding protocols or policies of your business in line with the crisis.

Be honest with the current standing of the business so everyone can understand and can suggest initiatives that can help your business bounce back.

5. Implement practices for the ‘new normal’

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque has already said that GCQ will be considered as ‘new normal,’ until such time that a vaccine for COVID-19 becomes available.

With this, your business should transition and embrace the new normal. Here are the things you should consider when transitioning to the new normal:

• How’s your digital strategy? Strengthen your online presence and online store
• Implement remote work guidelines
• Use digital tools and software that can help you transition to the new normal

6. Manage your cash flow

Keeping your cash flow health during crisis can be challenging moving forward. With monthly expenses piling up and minimal sales coming in can put your business at risk.

The best way to sustain your cash flow during these challenging times is having a financing partner that can help you bounce back and keep your business operational. RFC provides access to finance for business owners who need non-collateral and short-term loans.  You can apply here.

While this may not be a good time for growth and expansion, surviving this crisis can give you essential takeaways that can help you in the future and can make your business storm resistant than ever. We are all in this together and this crisis shall come to pass.

Image source: Freepik