One of the biggest challenges that essential retailers face is keeping their workers and customers safe from the Covid-19 virus. Learning along the way, adhering to strong standards, and dedication are essential. The longtime practices and values of a group of model retailers including Costco, Mercadona, H-E-B, and Mud Bay can help companies ride out the storm. They include these elements: focus and simplify to reduce workloads, adopt clear safety standards, empower and continuously improve, operate with slack, show respect, and prioritize customers and employees over shareholders.
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Workers at grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, and other “can’t close” retail businesses are working overtime and risking their own health to keep the rest of us in food, medicine, and toilet paper. The companies they work for need to take care of them in order to keep both them and us safe.
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