Author Archives: Pulse Marketing

The Role of Women and Girls in STEM in Building Maine’s Future

By: Dr. Elisabeth Adkins Marnik

This week includes the International Day of Women and Girls in STEM. At first glance, it may just seem like another awareness day, but it holds significant importance for our future progress and economic growth.

Stick with me for a moment. First, let’s consider Maine’s key industries. What comes to mind first? Tourism? Fishing? These do play important roles, but what about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)? STEM also critically shapes both Maine’s economy and our future progress, over one-third of Maine’s workforce is employed in a STEM related field.

This has tangible impacts in the state. The life science industry in Maine contributed $ 2.3 billion to the state’s total gross regional product and supported over 9,000 jobs. Between 2018-2023 life sciences jobs grew by 31%. Other STEM related jobs, like information technology and composite and advanced materials, grew by just over 50%. This trend is also true at the national level where 67% of USA jobs and 69% of our economy is supported by STEM.

Therefore, STEM is critical to both Maine and the nation’s economic future. But we have a problem. The USA is falling behind in STEM education scores compared to other leading countries, raising concerns we will soon face a shortage of workers equipped for STEM fields.

Maine is already seeing decreases in the number of our working-age population and this is projected to continue between now and 2030. Key factors in this decline include the large number of individuals aging out of the workforce, shrinking K-12 enrollment, and challenges recruiting and retaining young workers in these fields. Reports also warn Maine that we are behind other states in growing a STEM workforce.

Combined, this data highlights that we need more people working in STEM fields – not less. But women, who make up almost half of the USA workforce, only hold about 28% of STEM jobs. Increasing women’s ability and interest to pursue STEM is an important way to help us increase our STEM workforce capacity. Furthermore, research shows that innovation increases when unique perspectives are included. Building diverse teams will lead to increased creativity and more economic growth.

Celebrating STEM in Maine

Celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in STEM is one way to highlight the critical contributions women make to STEM and increase awareness of STEM as a career. For example, in 2020 two female scientists, Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier, won the Nobel prize in Chemistry for their work on a technology known as CRISPR/cas9. The work of these women has revolutionized science and enabled us to answer questions we couldn’t before. It can even be used in humans to treat some genetic diseases like sickle cell anemia.

CRISPR technology is now regularly used in labs across the country, including here in Maine. In my work at MDI Biological Laboratory (MDIBL) I have used CRISPR hundreds of times for experiments and science outreach. Dr. Emily Spaulding, a researcher at MDIBL, also uses CRISPR to edit the DNA of C. elegans (a microscopic roundworm) to study neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and ALS. Our work wouldn’t be possible in its current form without the foundation laid by Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier.

Recognizing the International Day of Women and Girls in STEM helps girls realize there is a place in STEM for them. Awareness alone isn’t enough though. Other key steps include exposing children to STEM early through hands of science, providing more female STEM role models, creating supportive workplaces and fostering community involvement in emphasizing the potential of STEM careers.

Ultimately, all humans can pursue STEM if they want to. It just takes curiosity, hard work and excitement to pursue the unknown. The more we provide examples and role models from all walks of life, the more we can grow a strong and talented STEM workforce that can meet the demands of tomorrow. Ensuring women and girls know they have a place in STEM will always be critical to this mission.

About Dr. Elisabeth Adkins Marnik

Dr. Elisabeth Adkins Marnik has a PhD in genetics and immunology from Tufts University & The Jackson Laboratory where she studied the role of CD4 T cells in the immune system and autoimmune disease. She then joined the MDI Biological Laboratory where she received an NIH postdoctoral fellowship to study how stem cells maintain the ability to become any needed cell type. During these training experiences, she discovered a passion for science education and communication. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit and Liz began to use her immunology expertise to educate the public by starting Science Whiz Liz. This experience has solidified her dedication to helping individuals access science information they can understand so that they can make informed decisions. This desire spurred a recent career switch where she left her university faculty position teaching microbiology and biochemistry to return to The MDI Biological Laboratory to spearhead science education and outreach programming. She is also a contributing writer for organizations including ASBMB Today, Those Nerdy Girls and The Global Autoimmune Institute. Outside of science, Liz is a wife, mother of two, runner, hiker, and an avid reader.
What’s Coming in 2025 at the Union River Center for Innovation

Attention Area Entrepreneurs and Aspiring Founders: What’s Coming in 2025 at the Union River Center for Innovation

Workshops Hosted at URCI
There are some exciting initiatives in the works at URCI. With the help of some area
business owners, we’ve finalized the first series of Entrepreneurial Exploration
workshops and will be announcing the topics, instructors, and schedule in the next few
weeks.

Business Attraction Plan to Focus on Two Industry Sectors
In conjunction with the City of Ellsworth Business Attraction plan, we will be establishing
one focus group to explore ways to support existing and attract specialty food and
beverage related businesses, and another for the building design, construction, and
maintenance trades.

Step 1: Business Survey
What project doesn’t start with a survey? This one is no different as we seek to
engage business owners in these two industry sectors. Whether you already
have an established specialty food or building trade business OR you have
dreams of having one, we want to hear from you.

TAKE THE SURVEY HERE

Networking and Socializing at URCI
There are some new events in the early planning stages to help showcase all that the
Center has to offer and to collaborate with and showcase area entrepreneurs. Keep an
eye on our events section.

URCI Online
We’re doing some tweaking of our website to hopefully improve your experience when you need any of our online resources.

Educational Programming
In addition to training hosted at URCI, we’ll continue to share online and in
person workshops being offered by our partner organizations like SCORE, CEI,
SBDC, and New Ventures Maine.

Our Blog
It takes a village and there is an abundance of talent and entrepreneurial
expertise in and around Ellsworth. In a business brainstorming session that we
held in November 2024, one of the biggest business support assets that the
group identified was the amazing Ellsworth business community always willing to
help existing and new business owners.

In that spirit, we invite you to share your insights as a guest blogger. We can suggest topics, give you a general outline, and even do some ghost writing for you. Our goal is to post a blog on the first and third Wednesday of every month. Next time, we’ll hear from Dr. Elizabeth Marnik with her thoughts on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science that we celebrate this month.

If you’re interested in being a guest blogger, or have other thoughts to share, please reach out at tracy@unionriverinnovation.com
February 2025 Maine Business and Entrepreneur Events and Trainings

Attending Maine business and entrepreneur events offers a wealth of benefits for professionals at any stage of their careers. These gatherings provide invaluable opportunities to network with like-minded individuals, industry leaders, and potential collaborators, fostering connections that could lead to partnerships, mentorships, or new business opportunities. They also serve as a platform for gaining fresh insights and staying updated on the latest industry trends through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops led by experts. Moreover, the exchange of ideas in such settings can spark creativity, inspire innovation, and help attendees overcome challenges by learning from others’ experiences.

The following February 2025 calendar features events from our Maine business and entrepreneur partners at Union River Center for Innovation.

Tax Readiness for Self-Employed

February 4, 2025 4:00pm EST
Learn how to organize your financial records, understand your tax responsibilities, become familiar with tax forms, and file your taxes with confidence from our professional staff. This one-hour workshop is designed for sole proprietors.

Childcare business Lab: Explore improving your credit score

February 6, 2025 1:00pm EST
Take the first step to improving your financial wellness by joining this session led by Jill Lorom, financial counselor with CEI.

Exploring Self Employment

February 6, 2025 2:00pm EST
This one-hour workshop will help you decide if self-employment is the right choice for you.

Demystifying Federal Tax Obligations for Small Business Owners

February 12, 2025 1:00pm EST
Understand your federal taxes as a small business ahead of tax season! Join this session to learn from Nancy Feliciano, Senior Stakeholder Liaison, at the Internal Revenue Service Communications & Liaison office.

Business Basics

February 13-27, 2025 6:00pm EST
This three-week class series (three 90-minute sessions) is for those thinking about or in the early start-up phase of a new business. Our professional staff will help you assess the feasibility, desirability, and viability of your business idea and get you started with your business plan.

Tax Readiness for Self-Employed

February 25, 2025 6:00pm EST
Learn how to organize your financial records, understand your tax responsibilities, become familiar with tax forms, and file your taxes with confidence from our professional staff. This one-hour workshop is designed for sole proprietors.
Update: Ellsworth Local Business Support and New Business Attraction

URCI and the City of Ellsworth, looking toward the implementation of some of the City’s Business Attraction Plan, have contracted with TS2 Consulting in Ellsworth to continue URCI’s initiative to develop a series of Entrepreneurial Exploration workshops tailored to the needs of area entrepreneurs and prospective entrepreneurs. The workshop series is being developed based on feedback from a business brainstorming forum held in November of last year.

The vision statement for the Business Attraction Plan states: Ellsworth is the engine that drives economic growth and prosperity in Downeast Maine. Ellsworth leverages its location, authentic character, and unparalleled livability to attract, grow, and retain high-quality companies that produce sustainable employment opportunities.

The plan cites four targeted business clusters that will support the city’s vision statement:

1. Specialty Food & Beverage Manufacturing & Sales

2. Design, Construction & Maintenance

3. Healthcare Services / Medical Manufacturing / Life Sciences

4. Visitor Economy & Hospitality

TS2 will be focusing on the first two: Specialty Food & Beverage Manufacturing and Sales, and Design, Construction, and Maintenance. “I could not be more excited to be working on these projects,” commented Tracy Scheckel, TS2 owner. “I helped facilitate and promote the business brainstorming event in November and am glad to be able to see the project through.”

With the departure of Janna Richards, the City’s Economic Development Director, Matt Williams, the City Planner, is stepping in as the City’s liaison to URCI. “It’s great to see Tracy’s enthusiasm for this project,” said Williams. “She’s a perfect fit. Aside from her marketing expertise, she is a self-proclaimed foodie, and her marketing roots are in the construction and architecture industries.”

In the coming weeks, Scheckel will be reconvening the brainstorming group to finalize the workshop topics and will also be conducting some community outreach for input on the Business Attraction Plan’s targeted business clusters. Anyone who would like additional information about the URCI initiatives or to provide input is encouraged to contact Tracy directly at tracy@ts2consulting.me.

About Union River Center for Innovation

The Union River Center for Innovation offers entrepreneurs and startups the opportunity to grow their companies by providing the resources necessary to get a business up and running.

About TS2 Consulting

TS2 founder Tracy Scheckel, with more than 30 years of marketing, public relations, business development experience, and project management, is committed to helping small and start-up businesses in Maine reach their marketing goals.
January 2025 Maine Business and Entrepreneur Events

Attending Maine business and entrepreneur events offers a wealth of benefits for professionals at any stage of their careers. These gatherings provide invaluable opportunities to network with like-minded individuals, industry leaders, and potential collaborators, fostering connections that could lead to partnerships, mentorships, or new business opportunities. They also serve as a platform for gaining fresh insights and staying updated on the latest industry trends through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops led by experts. Moreover, the exchange of ideas in such settings can spark creativity, inspire innovation, and help attendees overcome challenges by learning from others’ experiences.

The following January 2025 calendar features events from our Maine business and entrepreneur partners at Union River Center for Innovation.

Mastering AI to Accelerate Your Marketing Strategy

January 14, 2025 1:00pm EST
Leverage AI tools to refine your marketing strategy, craft compelling content, and drive measurable business growth.

How to Get Certified as a Woman-Owned Business

January 15, 2025 1:00pm EST
Getting certified as a woman-owned business opens doors to new opportunities and partnerships. It connects you to supplier diversity programs at major corporations and government agencies, and provides an equal opportunity to compete for contracts.

Feeling Stuck? 5 Steps to Move You Forward

Thu, Jan 23 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Topic: Managing a Business
Online Facilitated by USM SBDC

A Basic QuickBooks Guide for Small Business Owners

January 23, 2025 1:00pm EST
Learn how to use accounting software to streamline your financial management, track cash flow, build reports and create invoices.

2025 Hottest Business Ideas, Trends & Markets

January 28, 2025 1:00pm EST
Don’t get left behind in 2025. If you’re looking to start or expand your business, staying up to date with the latest business trends is key to your success.

Maine Sales Tax – Covering Rates, Registration, and Remittance

Thu, Jan 30 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Topic: Managing a Business
Online Facilitated by USM SBDC

Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge, grow your professional network, or find inspiration, these Maine business and entrepreneur events are a catalyst for personal and business growth.
Greater Ellsworth Business Brainstorming Forum

Business Growth and Development in the greater Ellsworth region: A Business Brainstorming Forum

Ellsworth and the surrounding area boast an ever-growing and thriving business community. To add to that momentum, a consortium of area business experts is working with the City of Ellsworth’s Union River Center for Innovation to provide additional resources for both established and budding entrepreneurs in the region by developing a series of Entrepreneurial Exploration workshops.

Area business owners — seasoned, novice, large, and small — are invited to participate in a Business Brainstorming Forum to share their thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the tools and resources they would find beneficial as topics for upcoming Entrepreneurial Exploration workshops. The purpose is to create an educational series that will meet the needs of our businesses and, therefore, business owner feedback is sought through this “Business Brainstorming Forum” to inform the upcoming “Entrepreneurial Exploration” workshop series.

“Business is booming in and around Ellsworth, and we want to ensure that all business owners and prospective entrepreneurs have the resources they need to be successful,” commented Ellsworth Economic Development Director Janna Richards. “We’re hoping to see a large and diverse group of businesses attending the brainstorming event,” she noted, adding that a broader perspective would better inform the planning and content of the workshop series.

The consortium includes representatives from Coastal Enterprises Inc. (CEI), the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Barbee Business Services, the law firm of Eaton Peabody and TS2 Marketing Consulting who will each make a brief presentation to help facilitate the informal information exchange that will follow.

The Business Brainstorming Forum is scheduled for November 13th from 5 PM to 7 PM at the Union River Center for Innovation at 415 Water Street in Ellsworth. Light snacks and soft drinks will be served. The event is free to Ellsworth area business owners and prospective entrepreneurs.
Although the event is free of charge, advance registration is required. Please RSVP here by November 13, 2024.
The Benefits of Remote Work in Maine: A Post-Pandemic Perspective

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered the way we work. Many organizations in Maine rapidly shifted to remote and hybrid work environments. From initially working at kitchen tables to adopting flexible schedules, employees and employers alike have experienced both the benefits and challenges of this new work model. As we move beyond the crisis, it’s time to reflect and optimize the lessons learned from remote work in Maine for the workforce and businesses alike.

At Union River Center for Innovation, we’ve increasingly worked to offer services that support remote workers and entrepreneurs. For instance, people have the flexibility to purchase a day pass or a monthly subscription. Co-working spaces, office rentals, a community lab, and a conference room are all perks remote workers can utilize at the Center.

The Remote Work Shift

During the pandemic, as much as 61% of workers found themselves working remotely or in hybrid models. While some have since returned to the office, data shows that 40% continue to work in a remote or hybrid capacity. This shift represented 40 years of growth in remote work compressed into just a few months. Pre-pandemic, only 7% of employees worked remotely full-time; now, that number has climbed to 28%.

Yet, there remains a gap between employees’ and employers’ preferences for in-office work. For example, 34.8% of employers favor a full return to the office, while only 17.6% of employees agree. This tension highlights the need for a balance that meets both the workforce’s desire for flexibility and businesses’ operational needs.

Lessons Learned and Challenges Faced

The rapid shift to remote work provided valuable lessons on what not to do. Many organizations executed flexibility on a crisis-driven basis, focusing on immediate needs rather than long-term strategy. Now is the time to optimize this flexibility intentionally, aligning work models with both business goals and employee well-being.

Health and wellness concerns have emerged, particularly around overwork and the challenge of “shutting off” when working from home. Managing employee performance has also become complex, as monitoring physical presence is no longer an option. Instead, businesses must measure output and productivity while maintaining clear communication. Joshua Howe, the Deputy Executive Director for Workforce Training and Remote Working at the Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce, has emphasized:

“Remote and hybrid work has the potential to provide employment for people that they may not otherwise have access to… all the while meeting Maine businesses’ need for qualified employees.”

He highlights that remote work in Maine isn’t just about sending employees home with a laptop. It requires intentional efforts in communication, engagement, and the right tools to be successful.

“Organizations are going to need to measure people’s productivity based on outputs rather than being on site, and ensure their teams have the right tools and processes to be successful.”

The Benefits of Remote Work in Maine for Employees and Employers

Talent Pool and Diversity
Remote work in Maine opens the door to a more diverse workforce. Women, for instance, are 24% more likely to apply for remote roles, and companies see 33% more applications from underrepresented minorities. Additionally, millennials (ages 28-43) are more likely to want remote or hybrid work, further broadening the potential talent pool.

Recruitment and Retention
Organizations that offer flexible work arrangements benefit from increased retention. Employees working remotely are 20-30% less likely to quit, which reduces recruiting costs. Companies also gain access to a broader talent pool, helping fill specialized roles that may not be available locally.

Productivity and Cost Savings
Contrary to early fears, remote work doesn’t necessarily reduce productivity. In fact, employees working remotely two days a week report no loss in productivity. From an employee’s perspective, remote work brings significant cost savings and greater work-life balance, resulting in improved job satisfaction.

Challenges to Address

While the benefits are clear, there are challenges to navigate. Organizations must be mindful of proximity bias, where those working remotely may have less access to leadership, development opportunities, or promotions compared to in-office staff. Performance management also shifts away from monitoring and towards evaluating output.

Intentional communication is critical. Organizations must build time for connection, whether through regular meetings, hybrid office days, or digital tools that facilitate collaboration. Joshua Howe points out that companies need to measure productivity based on outputs and ensure their teams have the right tools to stay engaged and connected.

Optimizing Flexibility

As businesses continue to adapt, it’s crucial to optimize the flexibility that remote work offers. This means shifting to more asynchronous work, reducing unnecessary meetings, and providing greater autonomy to employees. It also improves equity by accommodating diverse needs, such as caregivers, people with disabilities, and those in different time zones.

It’s time for Maine businesses to go beyond crisis-driven solutions and create long-term strategies that support a flexible, productive workforce. As Joshua Howe put it:

“It’s a win-win for Maine’s businesses and people… allowing people to live, work, and play in Maine’s many rural communities while earning good income, helping those communities remain strong and vibrant.”

By intentionally aligning policies, tools, and communication processes, Maine’s workforce can thrive, and businesses can stay competitive in an increasingly flexible work environment.

For those interested in further developing their remote work strategies, MCCS’s Remote Work for ME offers self-paced courses for front-line staff, supervisors, and business leaders—free through the end of the year. Learn more here.
Ellsworth SBDC Relocates to Union River Center for Innovation

Union River Center for Innovation welcomed a new strategic partner, the Maine Small Business Development Center (SBDC), in March 2023 through our private rental service. URCI provides private rentals to incubator companies, remote workers, and organizations that are a value add to the Center. We were thrilled when the Ellsworth branch of the SBDC decided to relocate their headquarters to the URCI location. Given that the Maine SBDC has been recognized as a leader in the small business economic and development arenas since 1977, this partnership has been a perfect fit!

The SBDC concept is a simple but effective one: assist entrepreneurs and small businesses through no-cost confidential business advising and training.

The Maine SBDC program helps build and strengthen small businesses through business advising, training and educational resources. Certified business advisors provide guidance on topics such as business feasibility, business plan development, capital acquisition, financial management, marketing and sales, e-commerce, customer service, personnel management, small business strategic planning and more. Eric Treworgy is the SBDC advisor at the Ellsworth location at URCI, and as a small business owner himself, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience.

We wanted to better understand the true value of the relocation for SBDC, so we interviewed SBDC advisor Eric Treworgy to get his insights:

1. What influenced the decision to relocate to the URCI location?

Relocating the URCI was really a no-brainer. The SBDC has a myriad of services for start-ups and can save new entrepreneurs time as they work on their concepts. An additional exciting aspect of relocating was to develop a closer relationship with the Ellsworth Economic Development Director to see how we can help the overall growth and health of our business community.

2. What services do you provide as a SBDC Advisor?

Our services include assistance with creating and updating business plans, cash flow projections (both of which are critical when securing financing), marketing plans, connecting to local resources such as attorneys, accountants, insurance agents. We help with understanding business structures, such as sole proprietorships, LLC’s S-corps, and how to connect with the right state and federal agencies to get set up. We provide advice and help, and when it requires expertise beyond what we know, we connect businesses with resources who have that expertise. As a small business owner myself (Pugnuts Ice Cream and Gelato in Surry) I can offer perspective on building a brand from scratch, and how to manage day to day operations. I have a particular interest in helping businesses develop strategies to manage cash flow, particularly during the off-season as so many of our local businesses have strong seasonality.

3. What do you like best about the new location at URCI? What are some of the key benefits?

The office is a fantastic resource. It is easy to find, and the common areas are beautiful. When URCI was set up they clearly invested in creating a pleasant environment to work. The common room and conference room are both appointed with all the latest tech for video conferencing and are perfect for small seminars. And, of course, we are on the beautiful Ellsworth waterfront – easy to find, and in the summer, a great place to catch some food truck action!

4. It seems like there has been good synergy between SBDC and the management at URCI. Could you provide your perspective on that?

URCI is managed very professionally by Janna Richards and Voot Yin. They are always available when I have questions. In addition, the community of professionals working here on their own projects are a great group – helpful when you need them and they create a stimulating environment. I am proud that the SBDC is located here at URCI, and enjoy working here immensely!

The location is clearly the best place for SBDC to be, given our mission to support new and existing small businesses.

For more information about URCI services, including private rental spaces, please visit our Programs and Services page.
4 Marketing Tips for Pre-Revenue Startups

Marketing Your Ideas: A Must for Pre-Revenue Startups

When you’re first starting a business, marketing is probably the last thing on your mind as you’re searching for investors and developing your product or service model. However, a well-kept secret is that marketing is crucial at every stage of business, even for pre-revenue startups! While you likely won’t be ready to market to consumers, preparing informational materials for investors and potential partners is still considered marketing your business idea. To help you get into his mindset, these four marketing tips can show you how to grow your startup and reach your predefined goals while in the pre-revenue stage.
1. Be ready to present to investors!
In today’s digital world, you never know when your product or service might be put in front of potential investors. Keeping this in mind, be sure to have informational materials detailing your business idea, structure, market analysis, and financial projections on hand to give to potential investors or partners. Make sure you have business cards printed for the founders and senior managers of your company, and have a few collateral materials printed or available virtually, like an executive summary, to detail your product or service offerings and financial projections for investors. This way, whether it’s a formal presentation, or a random encounter with a potential investor, you’re prepared to make your pitch with supporting materials.
1. Make sure you have an informative, professional website.
A common misconception among pre-revenue companies is that because you may not be ready to drive consumer traffic to your website yet, you don’t need to have an online presence at all during that stage. This isn’t true! Having a website can be an enormous advantage for pre-revenue startups. Having a dedicated place that potential investors, funders, employees, partners, and office space owners can go to learn more about your business provides a professional touch while also creating an easy, streamlined experience for potential stakeholders. If you’re recruiting for funding, have a page dedicated to potential investors or funding organizations with all the information they’ll be looking for, like financial projections, market analysis reports, and product or service benefits. Be sure to use your website as a place to make your business come to life – don’t just talk about your product or service. Talk about the people behind the product, the problems that it can help your target market solve, how your offerings close gaps in the current industry, and what sets you apart from your competitors.
1. Invest in market research.
While sometimes costly, market research may be the most valuable information you can come across during the pre-revenue stage. Even online surveys or small focus groups may give you a clearer picture of what your customers are looking for. Tailor the questions to the information you’re looking for or how to best serve your potential audience. For example, if you’ve already identified a market for your product, talk to those audience members to determine any gaps that may exist in the current market landscape and how your product can solve these problems. You can also take this opportunity to learn more about how to reach your audience by asking how they consume media and what channels are important to them. This way, when you are ready to go to market, you’re equipped to reach potential customers effectively!
1. Utilize free resources!
There are plenty of free or low-cost marketing tools available to new businesses. Some popular brands include Canva for graphic design, WordPress for websites, MailChimp for email marketing, and various social media platforms for engaging with your audience. Budget for the large expenses that you can’t do yourself, or are better done by a professional, and that will create a return on investment for your company; and give free tools a try to create marketing materials. You might be a pro!

Looking for more resources to start or grow your business? Visit unionriverinnovation.com to learn more about our programs for startups, including a business incubator program, business affiliate program, coworking spaces, free seminars, and more.
How to Return to Work Post-COVID

As COVID-19 vaccinations become widespread and infection rates decline, many businesses are discussing how they can return to their workspace safely while accommodating the new work styles that have emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic. What’s the right way to go back? Would your team work efficiently in a new or modified format? Keep reading to learn more about how your business can combine remote and in-office work or even shift its business model to maintain a cohesive and productive team after COVID-19.

1. Turn to your employees and stakeholders for ideas.

Your employees are your strongest asset – and the ones most affected by any changes to workplace rules. Conduct a survey of your employees to determine how and when they would feel comfortable returning to work. Be sure to welcome and encourage innovative ideas regarding returning to your workplace. If you’re a solo entrepreneur or a one-person team, think about what would work best for your customers, clients, or other stakeholders. Do they prefer to meet in person? Do they prefer to have a physical location to visit you in, or are they accepting of virtual meetings? Would it be more cost-effective for you to work or attend meetings in a coworking space as needed, and work remotely most of the time? Use these insights from your industry, employees, and customers to lead your plan.

2. Choose a return model that makes sense for your business.

Every business has different needs, policies, processes, and clientele. Even businesses in the same industry or with similar product offerings operate differently! Keeping this in mind, and using the information you gathered from your employees and stakeholders, choose a return model that works best for your business. According to the Harvard Business Review, there are five primary models that businesses have been implementing for work after the pandemic. Options include returning to “business as usual,” meaning going back to work the way it was before the pandemic, hybrid models combining remote and office work, and all-remote options.

3. Use this time as an opportunity for growth and positive change.

You have been given the gift of opportunity – opportunity for reflection, opportunity for growth, and opportunity for positive change. Use this time to evaluate your previous business practices and determine if they should be modified. Is this the right time to hire a new employee? Could this be the right time to improve your internal processes or upgrade your product offerings? In the same survey to employees and stakeholders, ask for opinions about current processes and what positive changes may go hand in hand with your post-COVID work model.

While the pandemic hasn’t completely gone away yet, we are beginning to see the end approaching. Now is the time to plan for your business’s workplace updates and strategies post-pandemic, and ensure that those changes are beneficial to your key stakeholders. If you need a physical workspace in Maine, contact the Union River Center for Innovation today to learn more about our private offices and coworking space.