With a recent Waffle House strike just around the corner, lots of enterprises are facing a need to re-arrange their operations in case of similar disturbances in their workplaces. Much is known about what should be done to avoid strikes, but little is familiar to business owners struggling to get through a complex day when they have to run operations without half of their workers. Here’s a short overview of measures your brand might take if the catastrophe is already here.
Keep Everyone Informed
Despite the temptation to assure clients that everything’s fine, business owners should accept the fact that their buyers are smart enough to know how strikes work. Perhaps promising something without actually having any plan to deliver it or making too idealistic expectations is the worst step that an enterprise could choose in this case. Instead, brands should explain to their employees and customers about the current situation and expected impacts, which is the most necessary move to manage false expectations. Specialists remaining in the workplace should also receive clear and honest guidelines; this way, they’ll handle the situation better.
Outsourcing Non-Core Staff
Most companies suffer because their core personnel might join strikes, but there’s a great risk of losing non-essential specialists as well. Your business won’t function without delivery service workers or call agents, so an outsourced telephone answering service or a few temporary-hired delivery companies can be a great bonus. Businesses that suspect an impending strike should reach out to other professionals to help them fill in this gap.
Increase Inventory Levels
If you’ve got at least a few days before the strike, don’t hope for the better; increase the amounts of the necessary goods and critical components without which the business might go awry. Although it might lead to some short-term losses, the brand that manages to function while others don’t will get a noticeable return on their investment. With more resources, businesses can have some more time to find better solutions, even when they face a critical situation.
Automate, If Possible
Not every part of business can be handled without people, but many aspects of production and logistics can be automated, at least to a particular extent. A brand can either rent or purchase the technology and machinery that will replace the striking team members until they are ready to return to their workplaces. This step will be critical to ensuring adequate production levels and mitigating the possible effects of the missing workforce.
Create a Crisis Management Team
Performing similarly in the face of a strike is impossible and can be the leading contributor to financial losses. Companies should seek representatives from HR, operations, legal, communications, and senior management who will coordinate the collective response and minimize the negative effects of the strike on their business. Such a step will ensure an agile and adaptive response from a multidimensional team that will have the necessary skills to prevent any roadblocks.
Reach Out to the Specialists
A laissez-faire strategy to the strike and optimistically hoping for a better resolution without actually doing anything might be lethal for a business. Business owners should begin communication with the striking workers as soon as possible to decrease the general adverse impact the strike will have on their income and performance. It will positively affect the media image of the brand and help it re-establish trust with its employees.
Better Prevent Than React
Undeniably, preventing a strike is better for a business than handling its consequences. Companies should actively cooperate with unions and be open to discussions, which will ensure better stability and help them avoid such disruptions. If the problem is already at your door, keep a strong grip on the wheel and look through the murky waters as you navigate your way back.
