30 Oct “The New Normal”: COVID-19 and Small Business
“Things just aren’t the same anymore.” As small business owners, we hear this every day. COVID-19 has changed the world forever. This is the ‘New Normal.’ Probably some truth here, but let’s not predict total gloom and doom for small business because of COVID. The New Normal doesn’t have to be all bad if we can stay focused on the opportunities in front of us and not panic.
Change is difficult. Who in his/her right mind wants to change things up when business is booming and profits are up? Not me, but I learned a lockdown resulting from a pandemic could surely change my worldview in a hurry.
Until February, all “Zoom” meant to me was what my grandson hollered while racing through the house with a new truck. Not anymore. Let’s be honest; the whole idea of face-to-face meetings has changed. “WFH.” Who even knew what that stood for four months ago? Now, working from home is the new normal for many companies, large and small, and “It ain’t all bad. “
A “Lunch and Learn” with no one ever leaving the office? An entire symposium done virtually? What else? Are there other areas of the business that need to be examined? What about benefits?
Benefits are expensive. In fact, for many businesses, benefits are second in cost only to payroll. But to lump all benefits under one heading is frankly ignoring the elephant in the room. It’s more accurate to say health insurance is expensive, which needs to be addressed. By necessity, small business owners are driven by the bottom line and the desire to take care of their employees and their families. So, how can we balance this?
Regrettably, there is not a “one size fits all” answer. What works for one company may not work for another. The only solution is to stay educated, to stay aware of the options and the pros and cons of each.
I have put together a series of articles to educate small business owners about available health insurance options. I have kept them short but informative and will send them out regularly, and you can always come to our website to check them out at any time. Hopefully, you will find them helpful!
Let me know if you would like additional information about anything you read in any of the articles. Call me at 919-261-6495 or email me at bill@kiserbenefits.com.
