The Tribune

The entire planet has been reeling over its response to the pandemic we call COVID-19. Businesses (particularly those in the tourism and hospitality industry) have closed or are in such decline that closure is imminent. For those that remain employed (government workers and other industries not immediately impacted), productivity and full engagement is a real concern.

We all agree with the experts who assure us that this, too, shall pass but, in the interim, a business plan, response and conversation about idle employees must be had.

There always seems to be a problem with keeping employees busy during their downtime. Only a few employees can be considered go-getters or self-starters. The others will need help understanding that less economic activity provides the perfect time for tackling short-term projects.

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Communicate and Plan

The first thing to do is understand exactly what your business needs, and the short-term projects your employees can accomplish. You will need to know their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their goals for working there. This requires open and honest communication. The best time for this is during an annual review.

The next step is to create an action plan with realistic projects and objectives for each of your employees. Always remember to write it out and pass it on. Everyone should be aware of these expectations. In order to help you think about some realistic goals, here are some ways to keep your employees busy.

2. Get organised

Cut down on clutter and mess. These waste more time than you think, and make a store look unkempt. This is an ideal time to clean records, and filing systems, perhaps even digitising those records. These employee downtime projects will certainly make your employees more productive, and they may make you more productive, too.

With all of the small projects off your plate, you will be able to check inventory and purchase orders. There is also all of the sales data to be analysed from the holiday season. Whatever you choose, it all fits in with your company’s best practices and points you in the direction of success.

3. Evaluate use of time

Have your employees reflect upon their day, and look at all the small tasks they do. This will get them thinking in greater detail about their how to become more productive. One way to spark their thoughts is to ask them simple questions, such as:

How much time does it take to process a transaction?

Can the return policy be updated to make it quicker?

What resources do you need?

4. Business and Project Planning

Have employees plan a special project with a specific goal. This is great area for departments such as marketing and advertising. Cleaning up, and updating, the business plan prepares you for greater success after the virus has passed.

5. Increase Networking Opportunities

Almost everyone has a social media page, and often shares information with family and friends. Your employees can provide free advertising. They can also help expand your customer base. Increased activity on social media pages, starting exciting blogs and hosting informational webinars can only increase your presence in the marketplace.

6. Introduce Training Opportunities

Look for ways to train your employees in various areas of the business via cross-training exercises. This will ensure coverage of duties and tasks when someone is absent. The use of video-interfacing tools such as Zoom, Skype, Microsoft teams and many others provide an opportunity for companies to ramp-up learning opportunities for staff. The Internet has become the new university for so many areas of specialty. Having staff work through skills gaps by viewing established online programs can only add value.

7. Follow up with customers

Your point-of-sale software should provide a list of customer phone numbers and e-mail addresses. Have your employees reach out to your most recent customers and personally check to see if they were satisfied or had any problems with their purchases.

• NB: Ian R Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organsations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@coralwave.com.