With the pandemic altering the dynamic and content of our professional and private lives, it is really no surprise that businesses too have difficulty coping with the constantly changing economic circumstances. With our hands tied and mind overwhelmed with conflicting and often misguided information, fighting an invisible enemy has proven to be an all-hands-on battle. The current epidemiological situation affects businesses worldwide, regardless of their size and financial situation. With our lives and jobs put on hold, it is not always easy or obvious to know which course of action should be undertaken in order to ensure a continuous flow of productivity.

Now, this is where we come in.

Strategist team has, for the time being, offered pro bono services to all its clients in order to alleviate some of the stress resulting from the uncertainties brought by the Corona19 crisis. In this pursuit of welfare, we wish to reiterate that only as a community we will be able to flatten the curve and overcome the unfavourable effects of this adversity.

In the process of finding the most optimal way for its clients to adjust to the new normal of doing business, Strategist has highlighted several principles showcasing what can be done despite and/or due to the current situation.

Think about the future. Assign the most positive strategic thinker, whether in – house or externally, with the task to think about how the business will operate once the pandemic is over, including the lessons derived from it.

Influence your environment. Once we conclude the infamous Corona inspired chapter, every industry will need to recapitulate and reflect on the actual impact of the pandemic on their business. That analytical exercise is bound to yield new ideas on ways of contributing to the revitalization of the environment and community in which they operate. Make sure you have a seat at the table – talk to the decision makers, offer advice and support, talk to your fellow industry representatives. Make sure that your ideas are heard and seen.

Educate your employees. This is the time to open up to new learning possibilities, assessing what both the management and employees can do better in the time to come. Is there someone within your team who has valuable knowledge and a skillset that would be useful to other team members? Make him/her an online teacher to his/her peers! Additionally, the most renowned universities have offered their online courses for free! Check them out, find those you deem relevant for your business and organize joint Skype or Zoom working sessions.

Contemplate on the change. What do you need to do in order to fully embrace the new post-COVID19 reality? Who can provide help and assistance in that regard? What are the weaknesses of your business and which can you turn into strengths? Jot it all down and make a list you can check off in due time.

If you have to close temporarily, do not lose track of your employees. Keep regular team calls. Your employees will need to hear that the company continues to be operational even after COVID19.

Share the burden. Regardless of the situation, in a healthy business, there are always tasks to be done. Ask your employees to jointly engage in checking off the to do list, even if the tasks do not necessarily fall into the scope of their job description. This will give them an opportunity to get an insight into the work of their colleagues, building morale and strengthening the bonds between the team members.

Be present on social media. Communicate honestly. Acknowledge the fact that we are, in fact, facing a challenge, but reassure your clients and customers that you are doing everything in your power to overcome any obstacles, so that they do not feel the change.

With the health situation changing virtually on a daily basis, it is difficult to look beyond today. But this will end. The world will not stop spinning around, and we need to make sure we are ready to take back the wheel once that happens.