Business Planning Outlook for 2021

The pandemic has required organizations of all sizes to figure out how to do business differently. Plans have had to change quickly as companies found themselves needing to adapt and evolve. While this hasn’t been easy, the ability to pivot and make big transformations has been key for businesses as they recover and build momentum. As organizations identify their outlook for 2021, these measures will remain crucial to prepare for what comes next. In the months ahead, business leaders will need to continue to find ways to run their businesses while keeping customers and employees safe. That means continued investment in the right PPE.

2021 Pandemic Planning

You may feel as if the only thing predictable about the pandemic is its unpredictability. There is no denying the pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on the economy and caused a significant shift in buyer behavior. Together, these changes have resulted in market patterns that have likely changed for the foreseeable future, as well as a permanent shift in the operating landscape for many businesses.

Travel restrictions and social distancing have led to the cancellations or postponements of industry events and other large gatherings. While these may resume in 2021, there is no guarantee of when that will occur. The economic impact for many companies has been dramatic, and it is likely that consumer uncertainty and buyer behavior will take some time to recover to pre-pandemic levels.

After having to overhaul plans and budgets for 2020, business leaders may feel hesitant to make plans for 2021. For many companies, spending on traditional categories, such as travel, was greatly reduced in 2020. As businesses plan their outlook for 2021, it’s an opportunity to reset base-level operations, looking at the changes the pandemic has brought and making decisions on what is most important for 2021.

PPE was a category familiar to some industries like medical, manufacturing, construction, and oil and gas, but now businesses like auto dealerships and schools are needing to invest in gloves, masks, sanitizer and social distancing signage as well. Many employees and customers remain cautious or uncomfortable about reengaging in their previous daily routines. With that in mind, improving and maintaining safety protocols will continue to be a major business outlook for 2021.

Company leaders need to make additional adjustments to their work routines, whether it is reevaluating their office space, updating the layout of the worksite, or making other strategic decisions depending on remote work policies. The pandemic has changed the way we do business for years to come, so it will be essential for leaders to develop strategic plans that look much different than in previous years. Company leaders need to prepare for a wide range of possibilities, remaining nimble and agile to changing situations, and staying aware of indicators to know they are moving in the right direction.

Continued Investment in PPE

The pandemic isn’t over, and in 2021 organizations should expect to continue prioritizing the health and safety of their employees and customers. This will require the ongoing need for PPE, things like face masks, face shields, gloves, hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes, sneeze guards, and safety signage.

Employee and customer confidence are both necessary for a business in order to continue to recover and build momentum, and that confidence comes through a perception of safety. Disinfecting high touch areas like counters, door handles, and card readers will continue to be an important outlook for 2021, as will utilizing signage and floor decals in order to enforce safety rules.

These signs should be placed at entrances, exits, checkouts, lobbies, elevators, and anywhere else, a visual reminder is needed or useful. Match the signage to the location or situation:

In the bathroom, you can place mounted signage indicating how to properly wash your hands. Near entrances, you can place floor decals that indicate traffic flow. In a lobby, you can use signage to support social distancing.

It’s important to clearly communicate the measures your business is taking to keep employees and customers safe, and then follow up with leadership through example. Health and safety signage can communicate expectations to customers and employees, such as wearing a mask and social distancing. Then customers and employees can see those expectations in action as leaders follow that guidance. You can even customize your signs with your design and logo to fit your business needs.

The past year has been challenging, and businesses face much uncertainty heading into 2021. While the pandemic will have lasting impacts, you can continue to drive your business forward with products and services from Safeguard. Protect your employees, customers, and the community with professional PPE from a trustworthy vendor. For over 60 years, customers have relied on their Safeguard advisor for products, services, and advice. Get ready for better days ahead by starting a conversation with us.

Contact Us to get started. https://www.promoplace.com/essentialitemscovid19

Key Takeaways

• The pandemic has required organizations of all sizes to figure out how to do business differently.

• In 2021, organizations should expect to continue prioritizing the health and safety of their employees and customers.

• 2021 pandemic planning requires building employee and customer confidence through a perception of safety and PPE supplies.

• While the pandemic will have lasting impacts, you can continue to drive your business forward with products and services from Safeguard.