With Massachusetts rescinding the mask mandate for all industries – except for health care facilities and public transit – businesses no longer have to enforce face coverings. However, COVID-19 remains a very real threat, and masks are still an effective preventative against transmission. As a business owner, you have the right to continue to enforce mask-wearing on your premises. Though, given the state’s withdrawal of the mask mandate, how do you delicately notify your clients of your mask policy?
Decide the Future of Your Business’s Mask Policy
You can choose to lift your mask mandate or continue to enforce it; there is no right or wrong answer. Your decision depends entirely on you and your team’s comfort level. Though, since this topic has unfortunately been one of much contention, it’s best to approach it strategically. You don’t want to anger your staff, but ultimately, the final decision is up to you. Nevertheless, confidentially gaining the approval of each of your teammates will demonstrate their safety is being taken into consideration.
How You Should Publicize Your Mask Policy
When it comes to announcing your mask policy online – via social media or on your website – make sure your message doesn’t have any agenda unless they’re part of your corporate values. It’s a polarizing issue for some people, so the best way to publicize this information is by being formal and transparent. If people have questions as to why you’re enforcing your mask policy, you can be honest about your reasoning, which can include:
- Vulnerable Team/Community: If any of your team members are vulnerable to contracting COVID or you reside in a community with low vaccination rates, you can cite this as a reason for the policy to customers.
- CDC Guidance: Despite the easing of the mandate, the CDC still recognizes masks as a suitable means to prevent the spread of COVID. Provide verified, scientific information regarding masks for those questioning their need, such as the CDC’s Guidance for Wearing Masks.
- Customer Demographics: If you primarily serve elderly or at-risk patrons, you can provide this as a reason for your continued mask mandate.
If you choose to require masks, you must enforce this policy. If a patron does not abide by your mask policy and refuses to leave, they can be charged with criminal trespassing. Turning down a patron with no concern for your team’s safety is a patron you wouldn’t want to do business with anyway.
How You Should Conduct Business Without a Mask Mandate
If you choose not to require masks in your store, do not shame or bring attention to customers who still feel comfortable wearing a mask. Unvaccinated people are still required to wear masks, and despite the efficacy of the vaccine, some may choose to wear a mask to further decrease their exposure to the virus. You should also accept your team member’s decision to continue wearing a mask, even if it’s not required on your premises. With the virus still spreading, the comfort of your staff is more important than ever, especially considering the staffing shortage.
When you notify your clients of your mask policy, you should do so by considering people whose ideas contradict your own. This allows you to avoid abandoning clients who happen to hold ideals that contradict your policies. At Vision, we’ve helped our clients approach the pandemic and its strict regulations with a sense of understanding. Through our strategic market planning, social media management, and consultations, we’ve helped our clients maintain success during COVID. If you need assistance with your marketing or delicately delivering your business’s policies, contact us today.
