The Better Business Bureau is committed to helping business owners manage the current situation of COVID-19 - the disease caused by the novel coronavirus - currently disrupting supply chains, customers, and the lives of employees.
It’s important to remain calm, stay informed, and take proactive measures in keeping the health and safety of everyone a top priority.
BBB recommends the following tips for businesses in handling customer, employee, and business relations in light of coronavirus concerns:
- Connect with your customers. Communicate how your business is adjusting by promoting health safety while continuing to serve their needs. Reassure them by making it a priority to let them know you and your employees are following a strict program of recommended health protocols.
- Demonstrate commitment. Use simple tactics such as using hand sanitizer in front of your customers. Explain that you’re taking this precaution to protect their health.
- Use technology. Tools such as FaceTime, Zoom, and Google Hangouts can help reduce the need for “in person” meetings with customers or vendors, as well as reduce the exposure and spread of the virus.
- Set the example. Wash your hands. Sanitize high contact areas. Cover your cough or sneeze. Stay home if you have respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath or a temperature above 100.4 degrees.
- Minimize risk. Avoid shaking hands. Perhaps consider another type of friendly greeting and explain that shaking hands helps control the spread of the virus.
- Set office expectations. Review human resource policies and communicate office expectations so everyone understands what they are to do nor not do when working with co-workers.
- Educate employees. Beware of phishing emails, robocalls or text messages related to the coronavirus, and encourage them to report suspicious activities to BBB.org/scamtracker.
For more tips, visit bbb.org.
