From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Department
Africa’s leaders have on the whole moved fast to shut their countries down to stop the spread of this virus. There is also discussion that with Africa’s low age of population (median age in Africa is tragically only 19.7 years), as seen here from the UN, and with its experiences of previous pandemics, these lockdowns will work and work well.
If this is correct there will quite rightly be a global massive sigh of relief. But as we all know, with so many African countries having a large unemployment rate to say nothing of the huge informal sector (that must hustle for food and money each day often working in terrible conditions and for long hours), one has to ask has this lockdown stopped the virus in it’s tracks? Or has it simply hidden the problem, and as the countries get back to work the virus will rush out of its forced incubation prison. Only time will tell, but for the safety of your business, we suggest now is a time for caution. Continue to find ways to adapt your plan and remain relevant whilst ensuring that your business survives.
With the possibility looming of a possible unwinding in the next few weeks of the various lockdowns, it’s time to really think and consider how you will reopen, so here is a quick list of 9 things to consider:
To do list - Business:
Don’t rush to reopen fast. Open slowly and with a plan. If you bring your entire workforce back, all of them will expect to be busy and you may not be back at the same pre-Coronavirus level for some weeks or months.
Expect absenteeism at the workplace (it will happen, especially if schools do not reopen quite so fast).
How will your essential business areas function in case you experience higher than usual absenteeism?
‘Knowledge is power’, so many of your workers in key positions, fearful of their jobs, will have in the past hidden information necessary to do their jobs (‘I can’t be replaced if I am the only one who knows how to do this.’)… You know who they are, you have been asking them for a guide to what they do for months, yet somehow they have never got round to it. A clear ‘How To’ guide at these times is essential. Stand over them while they write it if necessary. You must have this. Where are keys kept, what are the passwords and so on.
Cross-train personnel to perform essential functions so that the workplace is able to operate even if key staff members are absent. This is especially true of whoever does the payroll (in a small company, you may have to take over this role as this is highly confidential.) If in the past your bookkeeper would ‘line-up’ the payments in your banking system for you only to sign in, check and send, sorry, now you will have to do the laborious part as well. Remember to check with your bank that the permissions have been given for a single sign in and that this has been set up. If you don’t have these permissions, then make sure you do.
Identify critical elements within your supply chains (e.g., raw materials, suppliers, subcontractor services/products, and logistics) required to maintain business operations. Plan for how your business will operate if these supply chains are interrupted (One good thing to come out of this is that European companies have realized that rather than 100% rely on China, they need a back up and so have started to investigate buying from Africa).
Offices will never be the same again. Explore whether some roles can actually be done better from home and flexible work hours (e.g. staggered shifts), to both increase the physical distance among and between employees and to allow much of your workforce to avoid the crowded commuting times. Indeed why not ask them what hours would suit them better - if you can fit in with their needs, you will get a happier work force.
The future? Who knows, it may be a ‘V’, ‘U’ or ‘L’ shaped recovery for the economy, and your business, but you need to be thinking ahead for all eventualities. Please assume at the moment that it is not going to be a ‘V’ shaped hit (if it is, that will be a bonus), this is already on course for a ‘U’ recovery (i.e. initial hit to the economy, a long time at the bottom with low economic activity and then a slow recovery), but it may be ‘L’ (so hold onto that cash whenever possible).
If yours is a serious ‘Demand Shock’ business such as travel, look to government help. Start pushing your MPs and bank for solutions and financial aid for your business and employees, perhaps put a person in charge of this. They can also look out for mortgage or rental assistance for your workforce.
Rather than defence, perhaps offence is an option? We have already seen many Lionesses changing their manufacturing operations to help the community. Can your factory be adapted to manufacture other items? Remember blood is also in short supply. A drive to encourage your employees to donate blood will both save lives and lift community spirit - nothing brings a smile to the faces and a sense of community quicker than your burly security guard being presented with a little sticker saying ‘Brave Boy’!
Stay safe.