Adapting your business post-lockdown

For the past two years, businesses have been moving in and out of lockdowns, navigating restrictions and closures, and managing all the other effects of the pandemic. The good news is, there are resources available to support small businesses adapt to these challenges.

Although many lockdowns have been lifted as we enter 2022, numerous restrictions remain in place and small businesses continue to struggle. The Omicron strain of COVID-19 has dramatically increased case numbers across Australia, reducing customer numbers at many businesses. There have also been staffing issues, with employees being deemed close contacts and needing to isolate, leaving businesses short staffed or unable to open. The end of many government support packages has added further financial strain to businesses as they attempt to remain open.

While most businesses are open in some capacity, they have many new and complicated post-lockdown challenges to navigate. WayAhead Workplaces recently partnered with Transitioning Well to create a Post Lockdown Workplace Guide to help you manage the transition. This guide provides useful information, tips, and resources on six key areas:

• Re-entry anxiety: Life has been quite different for the past two years, so returning to ‘normal’ can create some feelings of anxiety and unease. Many small businesses may also be feeling pressure to succeed now that they have re-opened.
• Returning to the office and hybrid work: If you’re able to, you and your staff may be working from home a lot more. This can create new challenges and opportunities for your workplace that you should be aware of.
• Supporting workforce exhaustion: Work can be exhausting, especially if you are running a small business. The additional stress of the pandemic can add to this and lead to burnout. It’s important you are taking steps to ensure you and your employees remain mentally healthy.
• COVID vaccinations: COVID vaccinations have been a contentious issue, and many employers are unsure about their ethical and legal obligations when it comes to being vaccinated.
• Supporting people who have experienced trauma: As a collective trauma event, the pandemic has impacted how many people process information and cope with change. It’s useful to know how to recognise and respond to trauma in your workplace.
• The great resignation: The pandemic has caused many to re-evaluate their current jobs and seek something new. You may be worried about losing your employees, or your ability to find new ones. There are some practical strategies you can use to help retain and attract employees.
  

For more information, download the full Post Lockdown Workplace guide here.