As we emerge from a forced hiatus caused by the global pandemic COVID-19, some companies are more eager than others to re-open and try to salvage what they can of their business, many of which have been empty since stay-at-home orders were implemented in March 2020. Other business owners are taking it a little slower to re-open. Whether their area was more traumatized or they are waiting for other safety reasons or simply putting in place safety equipment before allowing employees and customers to return, we are seeing communities slowly wake up across the country. Nearly two and a half months after first hearing about the novel coronavirus and experiencing an unprecedented shutdown of cities nationwide, as we reopen we are asking ourselves, what will our new business model look like moving forward and how do we let our employees and customers know that it is a safe environment for them to work and shop. We certainly cannot go back to the way it was before coronavirus. There is a keen awareness of personal hygiene, social distancing, PPEs (a term unfamiliar to many of us 3 months ago), and germs in general that were not a significant concern a few months ago. Communication will be key as we reopen and move forward in our new environment. And it is communication that our much treasured assets - our clients and employees - will need to see and hear from you, the business owner/manager/leader. Here are your 5 Reasons you need Post COVID-19 Signs 1. To assure employees and customers have a feeling of safeness when they return. Let them know there is an efficient plan in place and that CDC protocols are being implemented. - Post ‘Take 20’ hand washing signs in the restrooms. - Post signs where hand sanitizer is located in your business. - Put up Social Distancing signs and floor graphics to demonstrate the importance of distancing. - Post your policy on wearing masks for employees and customers. 2. To clarify your business hours. Many businesses are reopening with adjusted hours or new hours of operation. This needs to be clearly communicated. 3. If your business is limiting customers, post that at the entry where it is easily visible. Also, post a “No Handshake” rule and remind customers and employees that even though you are happy to see them they will be greeted from a distance of 6 feet away. 4. Let your community know you are following state and local mandates. Print mandates, available from your local municipality, and post at your entry way for clarification if questions arise. And stay informed of what your state and local community allows for businesses and make adjustments as needed. 5. Post signs to remind employees to wipe down tools used in the common areas such as telephones, printers, copy machines, faucets, coffee pot, and microwave. COVID-19 has forced us to learn new ways to do business. At Kwixar we are available to assist you in any way we can. If you would like to “brainstorm” ideas to market your business just call us. We are still not taking face-to-face appointments but are available by phone, facetime, skype, zoom, whatever form of communication works best for you. Whether you want to focus on products that promote your business or need to discuss products that protect your employees and customers, we are a phone call away. We would like to remind everyone that we are all in this together from the prospective that the coronavirus recession impacts everyone of us. Of course, in different ways but no one has been shielded from this occurrence. It is said that this will be “the most severe global economic downturn since the Great Depression, and that it will be "far worse" than the Great Recession of 2009.” We can rebuild. We will rebuild our businesses. We are strong, flexible and resourceful. Remember to give yourself some grace. It isn’t anything you did, or didn’t do other than being a business person during the pandemic of 2020. While this happened in a period of weeks, we must give ourselves time to rebuild our businesses over the next few months and possibly years. It will likely be a slow process but we will persevere. We think that the theme for the rest of 2020 will be something like “Be flexible, light and nimble on your feet and ready to change gears at a moments notice”.