For many businesses, working from home (WFH) is one of the biggest impacts of COVID-19. If your business can still operate with staff working from home, that is a good thing, you’re still generating revenue.  Unfortunately, not all businesses can offer services remotely. If you have shifted your workforce into a state of WFH it is a big change and it comes with challenges and issues to manage.

For employees, COVID-19 and working from home can be stressful.

With COVID-19 many of your employees may be experiencing heightened anxiety and stress. As a business owner, leader or manager, you can help by limiting the uncertainty your employees are feeling and ease their fears.

• Acknowledge employee fears surrounding their jobs, and reassure them of their value to the company and your desire to keep them as a member of the team.
• Be open as you can with employees about management decisions. Regularly ask staff for their input to ensure that their voices are heard.
• Encourage employees to take advantage of mental health services to preserve their mental well-being. Here’s a link to the Nova Scotia Mental Health and Wellbeing website.
• Be cautious of social media misinformation. Keep employees updated with the latest government resources surrounding the pandemic, but don’t overwhelm them.
• Communicate business updates often – in email updates and individual conversations. Be empathetic in your communications, as every employee’s situation may be different.

Click here for an Employer’s Guide to Managing Remote Workers.

Has your building or leased space become vacant due to the COVID-19 shutdown?

In Halifax, many types of businesses have been forced to close their doors. This shutdown is depended on the types of products and services your business provides. While we all look forward to getting our economy rolling again, the time and extent of the return to business is fluid. If your business has been shuttered, insurance providers are extending the vacancy period for business premises that are vacant or unoccupied for a period of up to 90 days.

Each insurance provider will take a different approach, so you should contact your Insurance Advisor to confirm how this applies to your business. It is important that you still undertake reasonable measures to protect your property. Here is a great Checklist for Unoccupied Commercial Property you can use to keep your business premise safe.

Our Bauld Insurance Team is also working hard from home to understand all the options and do our very best to help our customers stay well protected. If you have any questions, or to discuss your car insurance policy, please contact your Bauld Commerical Insurance Advisor or call us on 1-877-925-2285. For more information, visit our Business Insurance webpage.  For our Bauld Insurance Staff Directory, visit our About page.