While we can\u2019t ignore the seriousness of the COVID-19 situation, re-opening your business and getting back to work is a priority. Whether your work is based in an office environment, farm, manufacturing plant or warehouse, employee health and safety is paramount. Here\u2019s a few ways you can support your staff through COVID-19:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Invest in personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks, face shields and other necessary apparatus. Take proactive measures like providing sanitisers, wash stations and requiring hourly use of either. Enforce social distancing guidelines by discouraging use of social spaces, separating work spaces and minimising personnel in an area. If you\u2019re operating at full capacity, space out your workers as much as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t consider these guidelines optional. Strictly speaking, investing in employee safety is essential in keeping your business open. If a single employee were to contract the virus, it would slow down your output and jeopardise your business. If any one of your staff were to present symptoms encourage them to stay home and recover. Also consider getting everyone else tested. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just like the uncertainty of the situation\ngives you anxiety, your employees are no different. In supporting your staff, aim\nto be open and clear in your communication with them. Be honest about the situation\nand the implications. Devise a crisis communication strategy to figure out how\nto disseminate the necessary information. Remember to also make time to address\nany questions and concerns they may have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While working from home or slowly\nmigrating back to office life is going to be tough, make it a point to check in\nwith your employees. As team managers, directors and CXOs\u2019 your primary objectives\nshould be supporting your staff and ensuring your employees are adjusting well\nwith any changes to their work life. Maintaining as much normalcy as possible\nwill make it easier for your whole office to cope. Consider mandating weekly\ngroup meetings (online) and one-on-one sessions with your employees \u2013 this is also\nencouraged when normalcy returns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
COVID-19 has had an unprecedented global impact, anticipating consequences and situations can be tricky when planning for your business\u2019 future. However, you\u2019ll have to make informed guesses to estimate outcomes. To make it easier, start with some self-reflection on how you\u2019ve been impacted and how it affects your work. Chances are, you\u2019re not the only one in that situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Typical examples are school closures and home-schooling obligations that typically impact productivity or, employees who have to take extra precautions due to pre-existing conditions. By anticipating these obstacles you can mitigate their effects. For instance, you\u2019ll know that employees with kids will be most productive at certain hours and \u201chigh-risk\u201d employees can\u2019t attend in person meetings but can handle paperwork efficiently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These unprecedented times, also bear unprecedented costs especially for your employees. To maintain the maximum possible productivity, employees need the proper tools to work. These include a workspace made up of a computer, desk and ergonomic chair and a reliable internet connection. Truly and honestly, these costs should be offset by the employer. Support your staff by relieving the intense pressure on your workers by planning to cover the necessities so they can focus on meeting their goals. Understandably, this might also be difficult for your business to manage so begin with the absolute basics like a reliable internet connection and computer. Then begin to slowly budget for any more equipment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To truly understand how to best support your staff \u2013 you have to talk to them. Understand their needs and concerns by encouraging them to share their thoughts. Their situations will vary so avoid generalising any solutions. Be as open and honest as possible when addressing their concerns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To deliver a great employee experience you\u2019ll have to adapt your Human Resources <\/a>D<\/a>epartment<\/a> to the issues you will be facing. The increase in social isolation, declining mental health, personal finances and rising stress levels \u2013 the HR departments initial function has changed. Aim to prepare for agility and not just service delivery. Be prepared to design new (possibly permanent) procedures for working from home, provide tools to aid productivity, disseminate company resources to restructure a post Covid-19 environment etc. Remember a fully functional, dynamic HR department will not only keep your business afloat and support your staff but will ensure happy clients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, remember that you’ll get through these setbacks and build a stronger business because of them. With the increasing importance of employee welfare to clients and workers alike, take this opportunity to evaluate your working practices. Supporting your staff through COVID-19 means they’ll support you too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n