The COVID-19 pandemic has created tremendous challenges for businesses that threaten their survival. But it has also taught that businesses can endure during a crisis by making the right adjustments. Here are insights for business leaders facing challenges triggered by the pandemic.

Treat Your Staff as Valuable

Hospitals were already understaffed leading into the pandemic. Retaining staff is much cheaper than constantly training new employees. Digital transformation to support automated services and telework has put organizations on a fast-paced learning curve. Retaining staff is best achieved by treating workers fairly. By contrast, pouring on pressure accelerates turnover, especially during a crisis.

So be flexible with scheduling and show appreciation for good work. At the same time, it’s essential to hire the right people in the first place, which can help reduce turnover. Creating a positive team-spirited atmosphere in the workplace is wise so that you’re not constantly giving new people access to your confidential resources.

Develop a Disaster Plan

A top priority for any operation should be preparing for emergencies caused by unforeseen disasters. A Hospital Disaster Plan is crucial to ensure the staff can handle spikes in patient care. Here are proactive disaster preparation ideas for all business leaders to consider:

  • Invest in a backup generator
  • Back up all critical data on remote servers
  • Plan specific roles for specific workers
  • Be equipped with tracking tools to measure productivity
  • Allow for new ideas to adapt to sudden changes

Aiming for resilience and efficiency requires being bold and at times taking experimental action. Using experience as a guide, taking chances should be limited to small risks to avoid expanding a fiasco.

Train Staff to Handle Emergencies

Medical centers of all sizes must prepare entire staffs for emergencies from the beginning of their employment. Hospitals should at least have a staff reassignment plan in the event of an emergency. Staying in constant communication with staff members is essential.

Reassigning roles and responsibilities in an emergency can be based on the company’s established Disaster Plan. The reorganization should leverage expertise as a primary factor. Hospitals must stay within the framework of best industry practices and standards.

Resilience and efficiency are essential components that defined business survival during the pandemic. Transformation to digital cloud-based activity has been a major contributing factor to overall business continuity and sustainability. Preparing for the worst is your best defense.