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Restart off on the Right Foot When Re-Opening

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We hope everyone is staying well during these difficult times. As we continue to monitor how the COVID-19 crisis is impacting the organizations we support, we are continuing to update readers with links to helpful resources. While many sources have provided helpful comparisons to the 2008 recession that we can learn from, the reality is COVID-19 is unique, more severe and any forecasts are still uncertain.  We are supporting teams as they draft re-opening plans and then helping them share and learn from others as there really is no template.  While many are following us on social media (see links to the right) – there has been a huge amount of thought-provoking research reports, white papers, webinars, press releases shared and it can be overwhelming.  If like me you haven’t bookmarked something helpful you read two weeks ago, it can also be frustrating.  Below we’ve listed some of the links we have found particularly helpful.

Helpful resource links for each stage of planning

1. Responding to the Ongoing Pandemic

  • Clearly describe for your team what you want your “new normal” to look like  – as it will reassure and provide a goal teams can work towards. This can often be as simple as re-focusing on the vision / purpose and reassuring audiences we are working together to continue to move towards these important goals.
  • Continue to access government financial supports and supports available to you and your staff

2. Recover and Communicate your COVID-19 Safe Plan Before You Re-Open

  • Update your Risk Management & Insurance Plans and update your Policies
  • Schedule training to onboard staff. You can use tools like Zoom webinars or even PowerPoint to record the training so it’s readily available for staff as more of your programs or services resume or new staff are oriented.
  • Communicate your safety plans and procedures to your staff, customers and suppliers in advance of re-opening. Consider publishing your plan on your website, promoting it through your social media channels, and/or summarize it in signage in your place of business. Consider your stay safe plan part of your marketing strategy.
  • Access any required personal protective equipment.  The government has provided a hub to bring together resources and organizations. It is also worth noting that the Canadian Red Cross is offering free COVID training to non-profits.
  • Ensure you have a feedback channel built into your plan to make communication two-way.  This will ensure there is an easy way for staff to quickly communicate concerns about elements of the plan that might not be working, as well as tell you what is working.  Also consider inviting feedback from customers. Ask them “How are we doing?” in person during a transaction, or via email, your website, and social media channels.
  • Check-in weekly to see what changes or updates may be legislated or that your Industry Association may now be recommending.  Update and tweak your plan as things change.

3. Re-Imagine to Meet Emerging Needs in a Changed Environment

We hope this page will help bring a bit of organization to your teams amongst all the chaos and we will update it with new resource links if we find new or better.  

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