How Employers Can Help Employees Return to Work after COVID-19
COVID-19 has affected all of us. Many of us have been forced to make significant changes to our daily lives. Often, these changes come with very little notice. School closures, social distancing, face coverings, the furlough scheme and remote working are just a few of the changes we’ve experienced this year alone.
With restrictions easing across the United Kingdom, more workplaces are re-opening. Phased returns, remote working and a return to the office are all potential scenarios being discussed by employers.
Re-entry into the workforce requires operational and logistical planning. Employers must take health and safety into account. Risk assessments must be made. Efforts to ensure all employees can work safely are paramount.
Just as important, yet less discussed, is the importance of providing support for employees mental and emotional wellbeing.
65% of Employees Anxious About Returning to Work
A study carried out by Bupa Health Clinics has found that up to 65% of UK employees are anxious about returning to work.
Alaana Linney, commercial director at Bupa Health Clinics, said “The covid-19 pandemic has impacted us all, individually and as an employee. It has closed offices and workplaces across the country and forced companies to move their employees to full-time remote working.
“As we move into the next phase and start to think about returning to the office, it’s important that businesses put procedures in place to support their staff to feel safe when returning to work and reducing the anxiety that comes with it.”
According to the employees surveyed, the top causes for concern included:
- 46% cited concerns around the ability to social distance in an office environment
- Potential spread of infection when commuting
- Unsanitary office conditions
How Employers Can Help Employees Return to Work after COVID-19
It is vital for employers to support employees in their return to work. Failure to address the very real sources of anxiety can hinder a business’ ability to get back to their pre-COVID-19 productivity levels. It can also have a knock-on effect on employee engagement, which in turn can hinder productivity.
Supporting employees in their return to work is about more than post-COVID workplace logistics. Below are five ways that you can help employees return to work after COVID-19.
Make Employee Wellbeing A Priority
Throughout the pandemic, businesses have responded in different ways to the lockdown measures. Some businesses have gone above and beyond in ensuring their employees felt safe and protected.
To help assuage anxiety around returning to work, employers must make employee wellbeing a priority. This includes ensuring that the safety of all employees is at the forefront.
Ensure Mental Health is not a Taboo Subject
For many of us, it’s hard to discuss mental health. The ongoing stigma around mental health has led to many of us ‘grinning and bearing’ heightened levels of stress and anxiety. When polled, up to 43% of employees have admitted to doing just that. 23% feel as though now is not the right time to discuss mental health.
Employers must make mental health an acceptable topic of discussion. It’s equally important for employers to be checking in on their employees’ mental health on a regular basis. This could be a simple 1-2-1 meeting and check in. It may even be more in-depth, with employees completing wellness and mental health surveys.
Regardless of what tactic employers opt for, mental health needs to be a topic of discussion.
Be Open and Transparent
A transparent workplace can lead to a positive company culture. In times of uncertainty and continual change, transparency is key.
Employees are already feeling heightened anxiety. The last thing they need is to feel that they are unsure about their employer’s directives or business goals. Be open and honest with your workforce. Address the challenges faced, outline the desired outcome.
Research has shown that a transparent workplace fosters employee loyalty. It builds a positive company culture and leads to greater levels of communication. These are all vital ingredients in a post-COVID workplace.
Implement Recommend Health and Safety Measures Promptly
Health and safety was one of the biggest sources of anxiety for employees returning to the workforce. Some of the key concerns for employees include:
- A clean and sanitized work area
- Promotion of ongoing personal hygiene
- Providing PPE (where relevant)
- Screening individuals before returning to work
Implementing these measures is the first step. It is also important (and in the spirit of transparency) for employers to explain these measures to their employees. Make sure you also address how the business intends to maintain / update these health and safety protocols.
Understand how to Support your Employees
Ensuring a smooth transition back into the workforce will largely fall to managers, HR and team leads. The wellbeing of your employees needs to be at the forefront. Train your teams on recognising the warning signs of emotional distress. Allow more time for checking-in with employees.
As more of us return to the workplace, we will be able to rebuild our support networks. It’s easy to forget how much we rely on these support networks on a day to day basis. Ensuring that employee wellbeing is at the forefront of your return to work policies will make the transition smoother.
The hug platform can help you gain further insights into the wellbeing of your employees. Built with four core modules in mind (engagement at work, mental health, lifestyle and financial health), there’s never been a better time to understand your workforce. If you’re interested in learning how hug can help your team, please book a demo by clicking here today.