Businesses, managers, and employees must continuously adjust to changes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Employees show resourcefulness as they effectively work remotely, and on-site employees juggle health protection with efficient workflow. Stress is a common denominator for all.
Fortunately, supportive and thoughtful managerial leadership can enhance work efficiency, and help keep your business a step ahead of the competition. Employees appreciate being cared for and heard, so they can remain flexible and readily adapt to a constantly changing environment.
Here are four ways to support employees as we continue to navigate through changes related to COVID-19, to facilitate the teamwork and cohesion necessary for happy employees with minimal interruptions to your business operations.
- Support On-Site Staff
For onsite staff, this can include proactive measures such as providing PPE and sanitation products, encouraging social distancing by spacing warehouse and plant workers as much as possible, and relocating cubicles so that workstations aren’t too close together. For remote staff, consider reimbursement programs to enable employees to purchase the furniture and equipment needed to convert home spaces into viable office spaces.
- Communicate
Keep employees informed about what your company is doing to protect them. Responsive communication, whether in writing, video, or via online group meetings will sustain a teamwork atmosphere while working remotely. If structural changes are needed, ask for employee input and keep them advised throughout the process so that changes can be efficiently implemented.
- Personal Check In
Since remote employees can no longer connect with each other in person, it is vital for managers to schedule online one-on-one meetings or phone calls with them to take the conversation beyond work in an appropriate way. Ask how they are doing on a personal level and listen for ways the company can be supportive. Do not ask for specific health-related information.
This article dives deeper into the mental health aspect of employee well-being:
Workplace Strategies for Mental Health
- Enable Flexibility
The home environment – including childcare and dependent care–may require more flexible scheduling to accommodate the needs of other family members. Ensure your employees are cross-trained so they can confidently pick up for one another as the need arises. It is critical to have written procedures in place and accessible to ensure all aspects of the work environment are addressed and managed with minimal disruption.
As the pandemic resolves and allows us all to return to a new “normal” eventually, implementing these best practices will help soften the blow of any future potential disruption – no matter how severe – allowing your business to thrive and remain competitive in an ever-changing world. Connect with e:countable to see how we can help you manage and implement any necessary changes for your business operations. https://www.ecountable.net