Running payroll, pivoting conversations with vendors, securing schedules. As a manager, there’s a lot going on in the back of your mind.
On top of that, throw in a global pandemic and staff uneasiness, and you’ve got your hands full.
However, many businesses have shown that even during the worst of times, you can do right by your staff and customers. Read on to learn how these two inspiring businesses never stop hustling — and maybe you’ll pick up some ideas along the way.
Four Pillars
Four Pillars Gin is a craft distillery based in Healesville in Melbourne's Yarra Valley. When a global pandemic hit in early 2020, business was tracking well, but as the consequences of the new normal began to sink in, morale began to diminish.
“Work from home seems novel and great, but eventually it can be claustrophobic and leave you missing your community,” says Matt Jones, co-founder of Four Pillars.
While many people are going through uncertainty, both on a personal and professional level, Matt and the team at Four Pillars pushed themselves to try a few things.
First, they prioritized every effort to avoid redundancies and to keep casual staff in work. That allowed both management and employees to think about career development in a new way. While casual staff were heavily supported through things like Jobkeeper, the team looked for opportunities to get people to work outside their regular roles.
For example, a rise in retail sales put pressure on shipping and logistics, so they filled those roles with internal workers. Hospitality workers stepped into new roles in customer service, and others helped host virtual events which allowed them to share their personality and talents in a new way.
Next, Four Pillars focused on internal communication. Each week, the head office at Four Pillars sends out a communication (both over email and Deputy’s News feed). That communication provides everything from new policies and procedures, to team wins, to weekly highlights.
Additionally, Four Pillars created “we time” — two hours every week to do something for yourself. The team is encouraged to go for a walk with a friend, set up a virtual lunch with a colleague, or spend other quality time with the team.
“Operating lines, sales, marketing — it’s hard to talk to everyone,” says Matt. “But when you focus on community and togetherness, the message is the same.”
Ambulnz
Ambulnz is a leading provider of mobile medical services and transportation in the United States and in the United Kingdom.
COVID-19 has negatively impacted their traditional business of non-emergency medical transport, as hospitals shut down and elective surgeries and treatments were stopped. So Ambulnz did what they always do — they iterated and inspired action.
Ambulnz pivoted to provide telehealth services with in person testing/diagnostics, along with new partnerships to provide transport for dialysis clinics for patients that had lost their traditional mode of transport. For those patients who relied on public transit or friends to get them from door to door, they needed help.
Another way Ambulnz has shown innovation is through their focus on employee well-being. In addition to base wage, employees also receive per-trip bonus payments, medical insurance, paid time off, and an industry-first Equity Incentive Plan that provides an ownership stake in Ambulnz.
Hustle so good
Whether you’re looking for inspiration to boost team morale or to pivot your business model, your peers throughout the world are making noise with their good work and great ideas.
Try a free trial of Deputy to learn how simplifying your shift work can free you up so you (and your team) can focus on what matters most.
