Supporting both your team and clients after a disaster

RCS Influencer Patrick Cochran says that giving support to his team with materials for their homes, or services is always a priority.

As a retail contractor that does not do much insurance work, when a storm hits, we focus on supporting our existing clients and then work on building new business in a sustainable way. We do not look to mass hire and add more staff that eventually we may need to layoff or move away from an affected area after the storm work has “dried up.” 

Our team focuses on preparing for each season and the possibilities. We watch the ten-day forecast and look ahead for weather patterns. 

This is not a perfect science and disasters can happen that we are not prepared for the additional work, but we focus on providing the best service to the clients we work with and new clients at that time. We make sure our staff understands that days may be longer and overtime will be available. We let our staff know that it is important in this industry to stay busy when work is there, as it is a seasonal business and things can change at any time.  

It’s important for us to make sure expectations are clear with our team and make sure we watch for burnout. Rotating days off as needed, and giving time to our team is important. Making sure everyone is taking adequate time off for their personal lives that are most likely affected as well.  

Giving support to our team with materials for their homes, or services is important. Working with them to address their needs first and foremost is something our team focuses on immediately after a disaster. Having the team get their life back together first is always a priority for us. 

Although catastrophic weather events are unpredictable, we work to make sure we first care for our employees and existing clients. Then we make a plan for acquiring new clients.