The country remains on high alert as coronavirus-related headlines dominate the newsfeed.
There are currently more than 40 confirmed cases of the respiratory disease known as coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United States. While the potential public health threat posed by the illness remains high, the Centers for Disease Control has said that there is little immediate risk of exposure to most Americans at this time.
Due to the uncertain nature of the illness, however, now may be a good time to review your office policies regarding sick leave and related functions, and to remind your entire team of the critical nature of proper hygiene.
It may also be an ideal time to consider the potential impact widespread illness could have on your business and telephone answering protocols in the event that multiple staff members call out sick simultaneously or – in extreme cases – quarantines are enacted.
For industries such as property management, and the service companies they rely on, a significant drop in employee attendance could cause frustration and confusion among residents and customers, potentially delivering a financially devastating blow to a firm’s bottom line.
Hiring an outsourced telephone answering service can provide a possible safeguard when your team members cannot be present to man the phones.
A well-run answering service will be able to provide around the clock answering solutions, staffed by personable and knowledgeable representatives who are trained to handle any of your customers’ needs, including:
- Questions and comments
- Technical support
- Status checks
- Appointment scheduling
- And much more!
Additionally, quality answering services are typically paid only when they are actively working on a client’s behalf. This ultimately results in time and money saved for property managers, and all but eliminates the need for a full-time receptionist and the unpredictable absences related to sick leave.
As a family-owned and operated business, Focus Telecommunications is taking recent concerns incredibly seriously. We have communicated the importance of remaining vigilant and taking proper precautions with our own team and are endeavoring to aid our clients in any way we can. Feel free to call us with any questions at 800-886-6696.