With rail strikes looming and petrol prices at record highs - just how much does this kind of disruption affect modern business operations?
With more people continuing to work from home post-pandemic, and the business landscape looking like it’s probably changed for good, are there as many people likely to be as affected with these disruptions as there once were?
If even more people have flexi-working arrangements and work from home continues to be even more commonplace, will these disruptions be problematic for most?
Obviously fuel prices are crippling a lot of people, and so many are struggling to afford to fill their cars in order to get to work. So perhaps even more will work from home?
There are reports of some people requesting mileage allowances from their employers to cover the fuel costs, which of course has some tax relief benefits for the company. Will more companies adopt this mentality? It’s not mandatory, but would help a lot of people.
There’s currently a petition calling for just that - on Change.org, a petition to get the government to reduce fuel duty by 50%..
Conversely, one disruption that could cripple the country far more would be mass broadband outages and strikes from companies like Virgin Media and BT! That would be horrendous. Which would affect offices and WFH workers!
What can we do as small businesses to defend against these and future disruptions?
Companies may be forced into becoming even more flexible with staff in-office, in favour of WFH arrangements and remote working, and requirements to be in the office only for certain days of the week.
Conducting more meetings through Zoom etc to reduce the need for potentially unnecessary travel.
Ultimately, it’s going to have to be down to all business owners to work out the best options for them to help get their business and staff through a very challenging time.
Brought to you by Brummies Networking, the home of free, stripped-back business networking.
https://brummies-networking.co.uk
Brummies Networking on Twitter: @brummiesnet
BrumPod on Twitter - @brumpod
Produced by Audio Shed - https://audioshedpodcaststudio.co.uk
Twitter: @audioshedstudio
Music by Birocratic - birocratic.com
Twitter: @birocratic
BrumPod - The UK Small Business Podcast. BrumPod is designed for small businesses, because all of the hosts are small businesses! Our goal is to bring you topics that affect you as a fellow small business owner directly; everything from website tools and technology, changes in regulations, business networking tips, business growth.
BrumPod Hosts:
Richard Heathcote (Voice Over Artist) - https://www.richardheathcote.co.uk
Iwan Thomas (Business Coach) - http://www.iwanthomasassociates.co.uk
Jason Jones (DoubleJ Consulting)
BrumPod027: With Jordan Patel from Art.Quarter, Birmingham's Newest And Most Adventurous Multi-Use Commercial & Retail Space Yet!
BrumPod026: Returning To The Office After Lockdown. Do You Want To? Do You Have To? How Different will It Be?
BrumPod025: How the hospitality industry needs a radical rethink, with guest Anthony Tattum from Big Cat Agency
BrumPod024: Will You Be Covered Post-COVID19? What Should You Be Checking Right Now? We Talk To An Insurance Broker
BrumPod023: How To Manage Flexible And Remote Working Employees Effectively In The New Normal
BrumPod022: Lockdown Week 7. How Is Life Changing? The Dangers Of Not Diversifying - Like Primark. And Gov Portal for Self-Employed Income Support Now Open
BrumPod021: Dealing With Stress During Lockdown With Martin Warrillow
BrumPod020: How Businesses Can Use Marketing And Social Media To Their Advantage During The Coronavirus Crisis
BrumPod019: Coronavirus - How Is it Affecting Small Business? How Can We Adapt And Survive? How The Government May Help. Plus Tips For Working From Home
BrumPod018: Brummies Networking's 5th Anniversary! Our Origins & Where We're Going. Plus, How Networking Has Changed With LinkedIn
BrumPod: Stick with us - Rich explains our absence - We will be back very soon!
BrumPod017: Should Schools Teach Entrepreneurialism? Learning, Skills and Qualifications As A Freelancer
BrumPod016: The Current And Future State Of The Modern Workplace
BrumPod015: Apps, Mobile Websites, Smart Technologies and Small Business - How Can They Help You?
BrumPod014: HS2 - A Revolution In Transport For Business, Or A Giant Waste Of Money?
BrumPod013: Our Old Friend GDPR - It Hasn't Gone Away! PLUS Downtime In Your Business For Good Mental Health
BrumPod012: Should Your Business Be On Instagram?
BrumPod011: What 3 Words could save your life? We discuss a revolution in mapping and addressing
BrumPod010: The changing face of the high street & what it means for businesses. And clean Air Zones; how will it affect you?
BrumPod009: 'Knowing Where To Tap' - a rough guide to market economics! (The fun way) & the equation Cost vs. Time vs. Value
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