Retool, Retrench, and Rebuild: A Framework for Managing Your Workforce Through Uncertainty

Pivoting in Uncertain Times

Uncertainty is uncomfortable—and inspirational. Companies across America are pivoting to meet new demand and rethink operations. They combine creativity, determination, and technology to retool, retrench and rebuild. New production lines, online shops, takeout, curbside service, home delivery, remote work, drive-by clinics and telehealth are all inspired by uncertainty and need.

Retool: Adapt and Alter

In the face of dramatic change and uncertainty, many businesses are choosing to adapt and alter the way they do business. Retooling is an optimistic response to challenging times. Restaurants pivoted to curbside service, takeout and delivery.

Essential manufacturers redesigned schedules to increase social distancing while meeting production requirements. Others reimagined their production lines to answer the call for essential items. Hospitals and clinics established new protocols and ramped up emergency services to meet increased demand.

Employees are Suddenly Remote. Now What?

Employees across America are now working remotely whenever possible. The first hurdles have been crossed—Internet connection, video conferencing, phone rerouting and so on. Now it is time to think about how to make sure these workers are productive and focused.

Mobile time and attendance tracking help you know where your team members are working. Employees use a smartphone or tablet to clock-in from any location. Social distancing and contingency planning make scheduling an ever more important and complicated task. Workforce efficiency and agile production can make the difference between staying open and closing the doors.

Retrench: Reduce or Diminish

During uncertain times, business continuity depends on sound financial management. In recognition of the dramatic challenges facing small businesses in particular, the US government passed historic legislation. This includes The Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Safety (CARES) Act. Programs in these pieces of legislation can help businesses mitigate the financial impacts of disruptions caused by the pandemic.

Rebuild: Building for the Next Normal

Businesses will rebuild as the economy reopens. Lessons learned during retooling and retrenching directly influence these plans. Mobile time tracking and employee scheduling tools support greater business agility, cost-effectiveness and employee engagement.

At SwipeClock, we’re ready to help

We are living and working in unprecedented times. Social distancing, remote work, and uncertainty are the new normal. Business leaders across America are revisiting how they manage their teams and comply with new rules. We are here to help. Our customers rely on SwipeClock products for scheduling, geofenced timekeeping, time off, hiring/onboarding, and HR management. Now they can also count on these solutions to prove compliance with new legislation governing leave, emergency relief and payroll protection.