Insights Association Issues Reopening Guidelines

US trade body the Insight Association (IA) has issued guidelines to help companies throughout the insights and data analytics space 'prepare for business in a post-COVID world' despite a confusing picture where some states are extending lockdowns and others lifting them.

The IA says te guidelines will 'assist business owners and facilities managers in their efforts to resume operations as efficiently and safely as possible' and cover workplace requirements and recommendations, as well as those specific to hosting focus groups and conducting other in-person qualitative research. IA CEO Melanie Courtright (pictured) notes that 'In-person qualitative research is a critical tool in gathering insights, and reopening these facilities is a must for the health of our profession', adding: 'IA stands prepared to support the re-opening of in-person research facilities any way we can'.

The documents cover social distancing, liability releases, communications and research respondent scheduling and can be viewed at www.insightsassociation.org/article/back-office-after-covid-19 (General Guidelines for Reopening Insights Businesses) and www.insightsassociation.org/article/restarting-person-qualitative-research-after-covid-19 (specifically, in-person qual facilities).

Courtright says insights businesses have 'transitioned impressively' in the last few weeks but must now 'grapple with numerous challenges as offices begin to reopen'. She adds: 'This will not simply be a reset to practices and policies in place previously. They will be returning to a changed world'.

Members are encouraged to share their experiences with the Association and stay abreast of the updates it 'will continue to provide'.

The IA's previous interventions during the pandemic include an appeal to Congress and the White House to help the research sector respond to its 'catastrophic impact', and urging members / all MR and data analytics organizations to scrap the enforcement of non-compete agreements for employees made redundant during the crisis without full compensation.

Web site: www.insightsassociation.org .