Building Resilience: Strategies for Businesses and Their Teams in Uncertain Times

These days, many business owners are facing uncertain times and experiencing decreased demand for their goods and services, resulting in reduced production, output, and profitability. As a result, it comes as no surprise that employers and their staff are feeling overwhelmed and unsure about how to move forward.

With this uncertainty comes the challenge of managing an understandably anxious workforce. While addressing business concerns takes priority, it is incumbent upon business leaders to effectively manage employees and their concerns during these times.

We also know from experience and research that, in times of uncertainty, businesses that respond to crises with resiliency—the capacity to absorb stress, recover quickly, and adapt—can overcome challenges and continue to perform into the future.

Here are some strategies you can implement to build business resilience, support your team, and respond proactively to business pressures:

• Communicate with your team – Engage in open communication about the company’s situation and how tariffs may impact operations. Transparency, even when the information is troubling, can reduce anxiety and build trust and loyalty among your staff. Knowing the truth is often less anxiety-provoking than imagining worst-case scenarios. Keeping your staff informed fosters a sense of collaboration, especially if you engage them in working through challenges. Overall, timely and frequent communication strengthens engagement and morale.

• Schedule frequent check-ins – Take the time to personally check in with your staff to see how they are doing. Actively listening to and validating their concerns while working to address them will go a long way in reducing anxiety. During these check-ins, you can also review business priorities and ensure employees remain focused. In stressful times, it is easy to become sidetracked, so maintaining clarity on key priorities is essential.

• Invest in innovation – Think proactively and prepare for multiple scenarios rather than simply reacting. Consider diversifying suppliers, customers, products, services, and markets. Explore new technologies and business expansions while investing in your people. Upskilling, reskilling, and cross-training employees will enhance flexibility and adaptability, particularly in areas where technology cannot replace human expertise, such as creativity, customer service, strategic thinking, and leadership. Encourage your staff to contribute new ideas and provide them with opportunities to rise to the challenge with your support.

• Find efficiency solutions – As outlined in one of our previous blogs, explore ways to streamline costs, enhance operational efficiency, and improve productivity. Look into technological solutions that may help. Read our previous blog for more ideas, such as adopting Lean strategies. While these times may push you toward short-term fixes, maintaining a long-term mindset as you strategize for the future is crucial.

• Seek industry support – Engage with industry groups that can share insights and resources. These organizations often advocate on behalf of businesses with federal and provincial governments and provide updates and ideas to support your business.

  
  

• Stay informed – Regularly check for available support programs that can assist your business and workforce. For example, the EI Work-Sharing Program was recently enhanced (March 7, 2025) in response to recent tariff threats. Export Development Canada launched a Trade Impact Program to help Canadian businesses that export and sell goods globally. Additional support for farmers and the agricultural sector is available through the Trade Disruption Customer Support Program. Further government initiatives, such as the Canada Small Business Financing Program and the Tariff Relief Remission Process, have been introduced to complement existing programs. The Trade Commissioner Service offers information, funding and resources to help Canadian businesses navigate international opportunities. While we cannot list all available programs here, the key takeaway is to seek out relevant information. Stay up to date with business news and other reputable sources to help you adapt and prepare for future changes.

There is no single solution to address all the challenges business owners face today. However, by increasing your knowledge, keeping communication lines open, supporting your workforce, planning for multiple scenarios, and optimizing efficiency, you can strengthen the resilience of your business. Again, while short-term solutions may be tempting, maintaining a long-term mindset is essential as you navigate these times.

If you need help navigating these challenges, please reach out to us. Our diverse team can provide HR and Operational support.