On the calendar, Winter is half over and Spring is just around the corner. Winter weather, however, doesn’t read the calendar, and severe storms and cold weather continues in many parts of the country. When robins will appear and tulips will bloom remains to be seen. How does continued winter weather impact your business? Here are some things to think about.
Winter weather closures
Snow and ice storms can shut down roads and highways. Winter storms may even be declared federal disasters. For example, the state of Washington suffered severe winter storms from January 5 through 29, 2024, and this was declared a federal disaster. Winter storms may make it difficult or impossible for employees to get to work and likely discourages customers from showing up and clients from keeping appointments.
What to do: For employees: Be prepared to shelter in place (probably a rare occasion) by having water, food, and other supplies on hand. Allow staff to work remotely when they can’t get to work. If possible, pay hourly employees their normal wages even if they don’t work because they can’t perform remotely. While this isn’t required, it likely will engender loyalty and certainly help them meet their financial obligations. For customers and clients: Communicate with them to reschedule appointments.
Delivery delays
Whether or not you’re experiencing winter weather, your suppliers may be in the midst of severe weather conditions, preventing them from making deliveries on time.
What to do: It’s always advisable to keep inventory sufficiently stacked to withstand any delivery delays. If something hasn’t come in that’s been promised to a customer, be sure to communicate immediately and honesty, and find out how to make things right with that customer. Usually, customers are pretty understanding when things happen that are out of your control, but you can’t count on this understanding and need to explore what you can do for customers in this situation.
Winter blues
The winter blues is a real thing. According to BYU Marriott School of Business, productivity dips, irritability increases, and people miss work. “An estimated 25 million Americans experience the winter blues while an additional 14 million people nationwide experience a more serious seasonal depression.” Some suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which affects 4% to 6% of Americans, with perhaps 20% experiencing at least one or two symptoms during the winter.
What to do: The first step is recognizing that employees may be experiencing winter blues (e.g., too many absences). Encourage those displaying extreme symptoms to see a mental health professional so they can get treatment (e.g., light therapy; psychotherapy) or in some cases, medication. Plan fun or productive activities for your staff during wintertime to boost spirits.
Advisory for employees working outdoors
If you have employees who work outside, be sure to be prepared. OSHA has tips on how to plan, equip, and train employees to prevent injuries, illnesses, and fatalities during winter storms. For example, employees should be trained on how to recognize the symptoms of cold stress and the importance of self-monitoring.
What to do: Don’t assume that your employees know what to do during severe winter weather. At a minimum, you should review the OSHA tips to learn what you need to convey to your employees. Implement best practices and procedures, including:
- Limiting exposure to extreme cold
- Providing employees with the right tools and equipment
- Providing warm areas and warm liquids for them during breaks
Final thought
Winter weather may have an impact on your business, but it’s only temporary. Daylight savings begins in states other than Arizona and Hawaii on March 9th and the first day of Spring this year is March 20th. And, as poet Percy Bysshe Shelley said, “If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?”
