As COVID-19 continues to affect our daily lives across the U.S., businesses continue to adapt to move forward. One way your business can thrive during this time is with the use of business swing space.
Have you seen the numbers recently? COVID-19 cases are skyrocketing all around the United States – and there is no real answer as to when it will all end. With the holidays quickly approaching, it seems like practicing social distancing is going to be more tough than ever. Community spread – especially thanks to those not heeding warnings – is going to continuously increase the number of cases moving forward.
So, what does that mean for your business? What can you do to maximize your business operations during the COVID pandemic?
It’s going to come down to whether or not you have swing space.
What is Swing Space?
Before we move forward, we should probably clarify what swing space is. And, no, it does not involve a swing or playground at your office. Though, what a way to decompress, right?
This swing space we are referring to is temporary office space. Extra space for your business that is there when you need it – temporarily – and can go away when you don’t. It’s not permanent. It is not going to cost you in the long-term, simply for the time you use it.
Maybe businesses use these as their permanent space is being built or renovated. In this case, however, they are a great option for those trying to keep business going and employees safe during a health crisis.
The Only Option is to Keep Going
Your business is your livelihood. Your employees count on you to have that business. It is what provides means to put food on their own table for their family.
The year 2020, thus far, has had us facing some incredible challenges. Financially, many businesses have suffered, some even losing the battle. If you want to keep going, you’ve got to make some changes – you have got to adapt your business so that your employees can stay safe and healthy while still keeping your business options going.
With swing space, you will be able to keep moving in a positive direction. Take a look!
1. Increase Your Workspace
You are going to need to make adjustments to the daily operations of your business. Workstations, furniture, seating, and so forth are going to have to be moved in a way that they allow for 6ft social distancing between each individual in your building, whether employee or customer. Many businesses have started spreading out workstations and even adding transparent shields like plexiglass or other physical barriers between employees and/or customers.
There is a good chance you already use your space at a capacity – and spreading out with 6ft between everyone seems impossible. Well, this is where your swing space comes in. By allowing you to greatly improve your square footage, you are able to move everyone around and keep them safe by social distancing.
It may seem like a lot of work, but by keeping your employees distanced and safe, you are reducing the chance that the coronavirus can spread like wildfire throughout your facility. Take the steps now. Not doing so? Well, it’s simple: without healthy workers, your business operations will suffer greatly.
2. Be Flexible
You are likely happy with your current setup as, logistically, it works very well for your business. Everything flows nicely. Maybe you are even afraid that spreading everyone out could disrupt the streamlined flow you have worked so hard to achieve.
All of this is understandable. However, if you want your business to continue to operate post-COVID, then you’ve got to be flexible now. Quit focusing on what you had or how you worked, and start focusing on things that matter right here, right now.
Today’s world may require you to adjust your marketing techniques to meet today’s COVID-impacted consumer. Your employees may have been impacted by the virus causing your production rates to drop. Adjust your expectations and plan accordingly. And, your space needs to increase so your layout and business flow may change.
Roll with it. Be flexible. This is not a permanent situation – which is why it only requires temporary swing space.
3. Necessary Additions: An HVAC system and Multiple Doors
Keeping your employees socially distanced is great. However, there are additional steps you can take to better protect those in your workplace. With a temporary tent structure as your swing space, you’ve got a lot of options. You can choose your flooring, lighting, sidewalls, and so on. But the really important features? It’s the HVAC system and a multitude of doors.
Having proper ventilation means that germs are not just sitting in your workspace. We have learned that COVID can be transmitted through the air. And, while wearing masks can greatly reduce the chance of making contact, it is not 100% effective. Having an HVAC system in place that works hard at ventilating the air can reduce the chance that these particles will be floating in the air long-term.
As for doorways – employees and customers and in and out of the doors of your building. If you can, keep traffic in and on one way. In other words, mark your doors. With additional swing space, you can choose how many doors you want. This allows you greater flexibility – and reduces the number of people who will be trying to squeeze through one area at the same time.
4. Boost Company Morale
Lastly, you need to boost company morale. Times are challenging these days for anyone. And, with many companies taking precautions and closing down the break room or lunchroom, more and more people are feeling isolated.
Boost company morale by still having a sense of workplace community, but do so with a swing space that allows more space. Allow your employees some normalcy without increasing risk.
Conclusion
In business, you are going to go through ups and downs. Though, no one could have prepared you for running a business through a worldwide pandemic. The best thing you can do is invest in a temporary business structure and increase your workspace. This allows business to safely continue running as normal. And, whatever you do, don’t stop moving forward.
