How To Support Your Employees Return To The Workplace In 2021

According to a global survey by Gartner Inc, 88% of all businesses worldwide mandated or encouraged their employees to work from home in 2020, due to the global pandemic. In 2021, as vaccines begin to be rolled, many employers will encourage employees to return to the workplace and resume normal business operations. However, this process may not be straightforward with people reporting higher levels of anxiety and stress at the current time. Here are some top tips that will help your employees return to the workplace. 

Genuine Support

With any big and sudden change, there needs time for readjustment. Some employees may be excited to return to the buzz of the office and get back into the routine. Others may struggle, after a difficult and emotionally turbulent year. If you notice an employee’s productivity has begun to drop away or they seem more reserved than usual, have a quiet word to check they are ok with the changes in their life. It may be that in some severe cases, PTSD or other mental health issues have arisen that need attention. If you feel an employee needs more support, then point them towards Psychotherapy, and offer time off to address their mental health if that is needed. If you have a good health insurance provider, contact them to see if this treatment is covered for your employees. 

A Clear Articulate Plan

Going back to work will not be as simple as unlocking the doors and expecting employees to flood back in. You will need to consider what new safety measures need to be put in place and whether a staggered return is feasible. Take time to think this through carefully. Once you have a timeline in place, then begin by figuring out the easiest way to communicate the plan with employees. Be open about areas where you might need to figure things out as you go but don’t let the plan feel wooly. If people have confidence in your ability to keep them safe they will be willing to put up with the necessary measures you put in place for them. Ensure that there is time built in throughout the plan for employees to adjust to changes and find their feet again. 

Expect Productivity To Fluctuate

Research shows that businesses lose $600 billion a year, due to office distractions. While you may believe that in the long term, being back on site is better for business, the transition will impact productivity. People need time for simple tasks such as remembering how to use the office printer or figuring out how to transport their work from a device at home to a device in the office. While these won't take long if you factor in every employee needing to make these adjustments, then you will see that time adds up. All of this time is time not focussed on primary business tasks, and therefore productivity will fluctuate during the adjustment period. 

Finally, remember that 2020 taught us all best-laid plans can hit bumps in the road. Always have a plan B and be prepared that you might need to return to home working in the future.