Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, businesses all around the world have faced a number of challenges- from implementing remote working strategies to furloughing staff and, unfortunately, having to let some employees go.
Human resources in particular will have had to handle some of the most difficult conversations as well as taking care of employee wellbeing during a very stressful and unpredictable time. As we start to emerge from the crisis, it is absolutely essential for effective human resources management to continue in order to ensure a smooth transition into a new normal way of working.
Keep reading to find out human resources can help post-covid.
Think About What a ‘New Normal’ Means for Your Business
Although the pandemic has posed many challenges, it has also created an opportunity to adjust your usual ways of working as you move forward. For example, many businesses have actually found that employees are happier and more productive when working from home or hybrid working (working from both home and the office).
Flexible working has also allowed employees to have greater control over their time, allowing them to work around their responsibilities such as the school pick-up and even daily tasks like putting a load of washing in. Few want to give this convenient way of working up and many want to retain flexible working even after the pandemic comes to an end.
According to a survey from HR Grapevine, only 10% of their 100,000+ workforce wished to return to the office full-time.
Others, however, may wish to return to the office as they find managing their work and home life has become difficult and they find it hard to switch off.
Whether your staff are already back at work, still working from home or doing a combination of the two, asking them for their opinions on what works best for them and their work can help you to create a new way of working that benefits everyone and maintains employee wellbeing.
It’s also important to consider what is best for your business too as some jobs may simply be unable to be performed as well whilst working from home e.g. in jobs where lots of communication between colleagues is required.
However, it’s worth noting that 58% of workers reported greater productivity whilst working from home and bosses also agree that working remotely has had a positive impact on the working day and on their employees.
Taking Care of Employee Wellbeing
Happy workers = a more productive workplace. Keeping employees happy and taking care of their wellbeing should be a top priority at the moment, especially after 18 months of being in a global pandemic. It’s important to remember that during this time, many people will have experienced great difficulties such as the loss of family and friends, money struggles and anxiety.
Some workers may also be experiencing feelings of uncertainty about returning to work after months of working from home with very little social interactions with their colleagues.
Make sure to reach out and check in with them regularly to see how they are feeling and whether there is anything you can do to offer greater support. For example, if one of your employees is anxious about returning to the office full time, you may allow them to transition back more slowly by doing 2 days a week in the office and 3 at home to start, then 3 days in and 2 days home and so on…
Be Open and Honest
When it comes to having more difficult conversations, being transparent is the best way to go. Answer people’s concerns as honestly as you can where appropriate and avoid lying or making false promises as this will only satisfy them in the long term and may result in anger when the truth eventually comes out.
Keep Morale High Once Employees Return to the Office
As mentioned earlier, happier employees result in a more productive workforce, so keeping morale high once everyone has returned to the office is crucial. Get the team communicating better by providing team building exercises or by taking them out for a team lunch to say thanks for all their hard work over the last year and a half.
Not only does this give them an opportunity to spend some quality time with their teammates, it also shows them you care and are appreciative of them.
You should also remember to acknowledge any personal staff milestones e.g. staff engagements, birthdays, pregnancies and births. Even something as simple as a card can show your employees that you still care amidst all the chaos.
Get Support For Your Business Post COVID-19
At Ryans, we have years of experience advising the local business community and a wealth of expertise for you to draw on. With straightforward and in-depth advice, we can help you to make more informed decisions ensuring your business functions at its best for the future whilst helping you recover from the devastating effects of the pandemic.
For more advice on how best to support your employees, get in touch with us today.