Day 1: The Day Everyone Worked From Home

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

Normally crowded, the parking lot at SERVPRO of West Pasco had only one car on the first day of our social distancing plan.

The COVID-19 outbreak has created unprecedented circumstances for our businesses, families, and communities. Jeremy George, owner-operator of SERVPRO of West Pasco, Wesley Chapel and Hernando County, is documenting his experience as a small business owner in this daily blog. 

Day 1, 7:12 p.m.

For the first time in the 29-year history of SERVPRO of West Pasco, our entire office staff is working remotely, with the exception of the dispatcher and a couple others whose office situation allows them to practice extreme social distancing. This morning, as I pulled in I felt a pang to see the normally crowded parking lot almost empty. As a small business owner, this is uncomfortable and foreign. I trust our team and know that these extreme measures are in the best interest of our team, our families, and our community.

Yesterday afternoon, after watching a group of people inside our office talking and laughing in a tight circle, I realized we had to do it. As humans, we are social animals, it's our nature. I knew we had to shut down the office ASAP.

As we chart the days and weeks ahead, I am sure there will be challenges we don't anticipate and also some bright spots. This morning we held our first Zoom meeting by video, with everyone working from home and hopefully wearing pants. Tomorrow we will make sure everyone knows where the "mute" button is. - Jeremy George