Even though many of us have spent more time than ever at home this past year and may have tackled long put off “projects”, spring is still the time for the proverbial spring cleaning challenge. An article published recently in the Winchester Times (https://www.winchestersun.com/2021/04/19/spring-cleaning-your-small-business-in-the-pandemic-year/) takes the concept into the workplace with the challenge of Spring Cleaning your Small Business in the Pandemic Year. As companies are starting to invite employees back into the office this is a timely suggestion for both a physical and otherwise mindful rejuvenation of the work environment.
Having heard anecdotes from friends and colleagues who returned to their offices after many months to find anything from old dried up packets of ketchup and soy sauce to cluttered drawers and unfiled papers, the physical aspects of cleaning up and organizing are an obvious place to start. Employees who may be wary of being in the office will appreciate sanitation measures as well as a fresh and welcoming look. But as the article advocates, there is much more a small business can do to move forward and improve its footprint.
Maybe you were at the point of expanding last year, or, growth is now resulting in tight quarters, or, your new model is to allow some employees to work from home. Regardless of the cause now is a good time to rethink your use of space and how to reconfigure and share workspaces to accommodate more or part-time present workers. Utilizing a professional to design a safe and collaborative environment can facilitate the optimal use of square footage to meet your business goals.
The authors suggest updating your company website to promote your brand, but consider upgrading your overall business toolset to improve efficiency and attract and retain not just customers/clients but employees as well. A CRM – customer relationship management system – doesn’t have to be expensive and will help you track, follow up and manage sales leads, marketing campaigns, customer contacts, calendars, and much more. No longer just for large businesses, CRMs from vendors such as Monday and Freshworks and Salesforce Essentials make this an affordable and scalable tool in your arsenal. Look at your HR and Accounting software as well to ensure you’re getting the most out of these products to help your administrative staff maximize their time and reduce errors.
Finally, as you head into this next phase, looking at your existing – or creating a new formal business plan that includes contingency and succession planning – is essential. We’ve all learned in the past year to take nothing for granted and being prepared is critical for any business. You no doubt had to make a lot of changes on the fly; learn from these and set up some sessions with managers and employees to brainstorm what could have been done differently, and start to act before or if the need arises again.