Managing a thriving organization is difficult in the best of times. With the concerns and uncertainty around COVID-19, many businesses aren’t sure how to proceed now, or what to do when we reach a new normal.
No one has all the answers. But, we need to keep moving forward and making decisions as best we can with the information we currently have.
Here are 6 predictions for businesses to help you navigate the next few months and get you to the new normal:
Adopt new remote work strategies
Remote work was happening even before COVID-19. Companies were already beginning to accept the shift from full-time, in-office employees to a remote workforce that has more options. With a majority of your workforce currently working from home, it’s time to take a closer look at your employee policies. You may find that you can increase productivity and lower costs by hiring remote workers.
Make conferences and meetings virtual
Traditional conferences may have run their course. Most conferences in 2020 were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We adapted and shifted to virtual and online conferences. Yet, the real issue is that most of us like to learn on our time and whenever we feel like it, rather than traveling to an in-person conference or trade show. On top of that, we live in a digital, fast-paced world. Why should we get together once a year? It makes more sense to collaborate and meet virtually every month and share live-streaming or pre-recorded videos to discuss relevant topics.
Invest in technology projects now
With business moving more slowly than normal, it’s a good time to take care of some housekeeping tasks. You may feel that you need to cut staff and projects just to stay afloat. But, companies that choose this path won’t be ready for the new normal. You may have trouble competing against other companies who have retained staff and continued to upgrade their technology. Now is the time to update your website, create a mobile app, and invest in your UI and UX.
Reinvent your company
During this slower time, what will you do to improve your organization? Will you use the time to develop new products or services? Or, think about how you can reach a new target audience or market that you can serve? Think outside of what you normally do and push yourself out of your comfort zone. You may discover an untapped market segment you can help support during COVID-19.
Be disruptive
Act like a start-up company. Start-ups are often successful because they disrupt an established industry. How can you carve out a new marketing niche for your organization? Learn more about your customers – who they are, how they think, and what they want. You may find new opportunities to serve them. You have a new perspective and the time to think about things differently. Take your time and avoid shortcuts.
Create a digital transformation
Digital transformation doesn’t happen overnight. You may want to consider incorporating a mobile app to help you communicate effectively and efficiently with your remote employees – even after the COVID-19 crisis is over. Now is the time to initiate small digital strategies that create quick wins, and then continue making improvements and adjustments once we’ve left this pandemic behind.
Take advantage of this time to get ahead of the game. Spend time talking with employees, and learn how you can help them have a better work experience. Talk with your customers and see how you can better meet their needs. Reassess your goals and think about where you want to be in 2021 and beyond.
READ MORE: Are Your Employees Happy? 7 Ways To Engage Your Workforce
Want to learn more about how the CatalystXL mobile app can help you reach your digital transformation goals? We can launch a private-label mobile app in 2 hours with enterprise-class features and functionality: including Connected Workforce and Sales Empowerment. We can make it available in the Apple Store and Google Play in 48 hours.