Total Eclipse April 2024: An Ultimate Guide for Companies within the Path of Totality

Ella Adams, M.S.   |     March 18, 2024

On April 8, Clevelanders will have the rare privilege of experiencing a total solar eclipse in their very own backyard. The last time a total solar eclipse dashed across Ohio was over 200 years ago in 1806. The next time we will have the opportunity to witness a total eclipse after April 8 will not be until 2099!

Our beloved Cleveland, Ohio, is listed as one of the best places to see the total solar eclipse, guaranteeing nearly four minutes of darkness in the middle of the afternoon as the moon passes between the Earth and sun. Besides Cleveland, what other cities are in the path of totality in 2024? They include Dallas, Texas, Little Rock, Ark., Buffalo, N.Y., and Burlington, Va.

What exactly makes the path of totality so important? You can only observe a total solar eclipse from areas within a direct line of the moon’s course of direction – a path traced on the Earth’s surface by the moon’s celestial shadow that covers the entirety of the mighty sun. 

In honor of this remarkable astrological event, we thought we’d share Falls & Co.’s “Ultimate Employee Engagement Ideas & Preparation Guide” to help you ensure your employees stay safe and have fun under the totally solar eclipsed sun!

Remind Your Team to Wear Total Eclipse Glasses 

According to NASA, it is not safe to look directly toward the sun’s bright face without protective eye gear. If your office will be staffed April 8 and there is an opportunity to step outside to witness the total solar eclipse, eye safety will be an important step to fully bask in the stellar view. You can buy a pair of eclipse glasses at NASA Glenn Research Center, Eclipse Over Ohio, or Cleveland Metroparks’ nature shops. Ensure all your employees have access to eye protection that day.

Instead of a Summer Friday, Why Not Have a Solar Monday?

“Summer Fridays” offer flexible scheduling for employees, allowing them to leave the office early on Fridays during the summer months, usually between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Bearing in mind this once-in-a-lifetime event will be followed by congested traffic patterns after 3 p.m., propose dismissing the office early so your team can get home safely and enjoy the eclipse with friends or family.

Consider Delaying In-Person Meetings

Since employee safety is the utmost priority for all companies, think about hitting pause on in-person meetings until your team can reconvene on April 9. Not only will traffic and parking patterns be a potential mess on the afternoon of April 8, but there is little doubt anyone would want to say they missed a total eclipse because of a meeting they had with Sally from Web Development to discuss the latest brief on font apostrophes. In-person meetings can wait a day. Sorry, Sally.

Be Aware of Slow Internet and Cell Phone Service

Expert forecasts say hundreds of thousands of visitors will make their way to Northeast Ohio for a front-row seat to the April eclipse. Due to the predicted influx of additional visitors over the weekend leading up to the eclipse, Wi-Fi and cell service towers may be overloaded. It’s important to remain aware that routine internet maintenance and access could be spotty for in-person and remote workers. Employers should stay understanding and flexible if internet connections dip out and temporarily impact staff workflow.

Host an Afternoon Watch Party

When’s the last time your company collectively went offline for an employee-engagement activity? Host an internal event for your team to watch the solar eclipse together. If your business has a large parking lot, green space or roof access, it may be the perfect place to take a break from work and bask in the glory of this astronomical wonder. A solar eclipse makes for a perfect employee-engagement day and reminds your employees that work doesn’t always have to come first.

Offer Up Remote Work to Team

If your business is not a direct merchandiser or food store, consider closing or offering your employees the opportunity to work remotely April 8. This adds an additional layer of precaution for your team and gives them the chance to step outside to take a peek at the unforgettable sky.

Plan Parking Ahead of Time

From suburbs to cities in the direct line of totality, plan ahead when it comes to parking for work. Eclipse tourism is selling out Cuyahoga and Lorain County hotels quicker than a shooting star and will scoop up our public parking spaces too. Visitors from across the country will want to get as close as possible to the path of totality. Companies can err on the side of caution and prepare for parking to be tight for the day.

Be a Good Neighbor to the City of Cleveland

According to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, Ohio is within a one-day road trip for approximately 70% of the U.S. population. Cleveland is without a doubt one of the best cities to see the total eclipse. Be a good neighbor and spread the word about the unique solar event coming to Cleveland. Let your neighboring businesses, colleagues, and friends know about your plans and ideas for how you plan to celebrate, adapt, and stay safe during the total solar eclipse.

Does your company have additional tips to share as we prepare for the April solar eclipse? Give us a buzz.