Delta Variant Brings Recovery Delays, As Businesses Protect Themselves

Given increasing rates of Delta variant cases across the U.S. and Canada, it’s not surprising that Alignable’s August Recovery Poll of 5,262 members revealed that 76% worry the new surges will slow down their recovery. In fact, compared to July, estimates regarding when businesses will fully recover have shifted out a full quarter this month. 

While this Delta news is discouraging to many small business owners trying to rebound from the first round of COVID, the reaction is tempered by an overall sense of resilience among many owners surveyed. They’ll do whatever it takes to move forward, even if the pace of their recovery is slower.

“We install marble and granite countertops and we’re doing fine. Even with product delays in other aspects of construction, people are remodeling with new countertops. I do believe we will continue well into the fall -- our peak time -- and we’re already seeing clients planning for future projects. However, we do wear masks with clients even though we’re vaccinated, given the Delta issue.”

Thriving Yet Cautious 

“Our business installing and repairing driveways is thriving! I think this is partly because people are spending more time at their homes and doing renovations and improvements that they may have otherwise put off. We have minimal contact with our customers and allow them the ability to have zero face to face time if they desire that. While we are doing very well, we remain cautious.” 

And some businesses are just forging ahead, continuing to enjoy a rapid rebound, trying to avoid even thinking about the Delta variant.

“We run a sports program and we’re having the best business lift ever. Our signups for the fall league are very strong.”

“Ours is considered an essential business (mechanical repair and service on vehicles), so we didn't have to close ever, and we’ve actually had some more customers get repairs done because they had more time.”

Elevated Concerns For Restaurants, Retailers, & Travel Pros

However, the tone of the poll responses changed dramatically among many owners of small businesses that either are not deemed essential and/or usually require an extensive amount of in-person customer contact. 

The small business owners that are really worried about the Delta variant hurting their recovery include:

• 88% of the restaurant owners polled
• 87% of the travel agents
• 86% of the event planners
• 81% of the entertainers
• 77% of the retailers
• 77% of the fitness experts, 
• along with others who are also impacted by increased inflation: 70% of the construction company owners, and 68% of realtors.

Beyond worries about slower recoveries, many in these industries also fear that their governments will institute shutdowns again. In fact, 47% say it’s their No. 1 concern, replacing inflationary pressures for the first time in several months.

“At the beginning of the summer, my business running a children’s theater was slowly starting to come back, though I only had 28% of the number of bookings I had before COVID. However, 50% of my bookings were canceled this week, due to several positive cases of COVID in young children, and schools having to suddenly close. My business is currently in a ‘wait and see’ mode. I don't foresee opening it again until the Delta virus is under control.”

Delta-Related Travel Cancellations Increase

“COVID has had a great effect on our travel agency and continues to be challenging -- for both vaccinated and unvaccinated customers. And the new variant has a lot of travelers concerned again, and therefore, we’re seeing more cancellations and more restrictions."

“I'm hearing quite a bit of concern about the delta variant, and it’s having an impact on my fitness training business already. I fear it will get worse. If we have to go back to wearing masks indoors, I am concerned the fear factor will have a further impact on my business.”

“We offer therapy and tutoring for children with disabilities. The Delta variant shut us down for sanitation. Three employees were quarantined. We need to be open!”

While these members have already seen the negative effects of the Delta variant on their businesses, Dr. Anthony Fauci maintains that the U.S. will probably not need to resort to massive lockdowns again, because enough people are vaccinated. 

However, he does predict that Delta variant cases will increase, which, of course, is another reason people should be vaccinated.  

If Dr. Fauci turns out to be correct, and we can avoid government-imposed  shutdowns around Delta surges, then a much greater number of small businesses can stay on track with some sort of recovery, even if their progress is slower. Let’s hope he’s right.

Protect Against The Delta Effect

Of course, doing what you can now to help protect your business against the Delta variant is important, regardless of your industry or your stage of recovery.

As one major step in the right direction,  72% of small business owners polled said they would be more likely to hire employees if they’ve been fully vaccinated. 

Of course, if your employees are vaccinated, then you’re also offering a much safer and more welcoming store or office experience to any clients or customers. 

As Delta surges continue, your safe environment will be increasingly important to maintain and promote to customers. 

More Smart Moves For Your Business

And learning from our recent past, there are other moves you can make, including the following:

• Increasing the percentage of your virtual business -- from enhancing your ecommerce capabilities to boosting your overall online presence
• Creating webinars and other video sessions to promote your expertise and/or products or services to people who may be leery about human contact until the surges have subsided
• Creating additional services your customers might want, if they plan to stay home more. For a restaurant, this could include delivering meals that replicate the experience they might have in your restaurant
• Requiring all customers to wear masks indoors,  if you have a high-contact business, to help protect customers, your staff, and yourself.

Business Insider recently published a story with a 15-step checklist to deal with the Delta variant. Please review it when you have a chance.

Also, feel free to share your thoughts about the Delta variant and how you’re working to protect your business in the comments below.