Business coaching tip: Should your business implement an inclement weather policy?

Fun in the snow

They past few weeks have shown record breaking snow fall in the Northeast. WSFB Fairfield County said the National Weather Service reports that January’s snowfall in Connecticut was higher than any other monthly total since record-keeping began more than a century ago.

Due to the poor weather, business owners and schools alike have had to take several “snow days” already this year. For small businesses in particular the decision to close is met with many logistical issues. How do I communicate to my employees when the office will be closed? Are my employees set up to work from home? Instead of playing whether or not to close by ear, employers should take a proactive approach to closings and delays.

What’s important is the safety of your employees when inclement weather arises. Inclement weather policies should remain flexible so that employees can decide whether or not to head into the office based on their own personal circumstance. But the key is that there is an open communication set up between employer and an employee. Key employees critical to business operations should be set up to have the ability to work from home if at all possible.

What should your inclement weather policy consist of?

• State that it is the company’s policy to remain open during inclement weather and that employees should make every reasonable effort to get to work (or telecommute if the company has a telecommuting policy in place).
• If employees are set up to work from home they should do so when the office is closed or delayed
• Detail how and when the company will communicate closings or delayed openings to employees. Whether via phone, radio, email etc.
• Address potential issues relating to hourly employees, such as whether they will be paid (or disciplined) for not reporting to work when the business is open

This record breaking snow season may not have even reached its peak yet and will continue to challenge Connecticut business owners this year. What will you do when the next storm hits?

Do you have challenges in your business? How can business coaching make a positive impact on your business? Find out how by contacting us at 203.210. 7003 or attending one of our upcoming business growth seminars.