The New Business Abnormal Normal... Reentering the Workplace Post #Covid-19

By Nancy J. Lewis, MS, SHRM-CP, PHR, RCC

There is so much buzz about how the workplace will be different after the pandemic and how organizations must strategize as they consider employees coming back to work. A serious concern that is coming up repeatedly that my clients are concerned about is, will employees even desire to come back to work? This is a real issue as employees have been maintaining the business during the crisis from home. Certainly there are lots of thoughts on telework, but one thing is certain, there will be a lot more telework now than ever before. So after talking to some of my clients and colleagues, consider the following strategies to help you navigate this changing and uncertain terrain.

1) Connectivity and communication will be vital to your employees during this time. Employees are struggling with difficult issues you may be unaware of that are impacting their lives. Many are in the role of teacher for home schooled children, caregiver for aging parents and in fear about #Covid-19. It is vital to have strategies to provide a sense of connectedness with them. It could be a Monday morning check in call where you offer inspiration and let them tell you how they are doing. It can be a weekly town hall virtual meeting to share updates on what is going on businesswise and what the organization is doing to make the workplace safe for you to return in this Covid-19 era. The important thing is communicating is critical for making employees feel they are in the loop and up on all the latest information in your organization. It is essential to consider using different methods of communicating the messages you share. It might mean texting, emails, instant messaging or whatever methods your organization currently provides.  The message is simple, consistent and ongoing communication to reassure a sense of connectivity during these stressful and challenging times.

2) Take time to understand that employees are all in a different place as it relates to #Covid-19. A cookie cutter approach when talking with employees will simply not work. It is important for you to practice mindfulness as you relate to your staff with empathy and compassion. It is vital to know how to leverage EQ as you connect and relate to others in the workplace. Employees need to know that you care about them as a person not simply as an employee. This does not mean you cannot provide feedback and correction as needed; it does mean you realize that the employees you are talking to has his/her own set of emotions they are working through. A quote many of us have heard says, "People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." Remember everybody you come in contact with is facing some kind of personal or professional struggle in their life. When we take time to stop and practice empathetic listening, open up our hearts not just our minds; it is amazing how this will build stronger relationships and teams.

3) Look for ways to engage with your employees where they feel they are adding value and contributing to the success of the organization. Engaged employees seek ways to operate at their best, they don't let excuses stop them from getting the job done, they are intentional and accountable for their actions. So the more you can do to engage your employees, it is a win-win for the organization. We know that many times a factor influencing this is managers who have not learned the art of leading. It has been said, "Employees don't leave an organization, they leave a manager. It is critical that organizations provide the tools to help managers lead effectively because the managers are in most cases, the immediate contact for employees. Without giving them the resources and follow up that is necessary, this could be a leak in your organization that can be costly. A quote I saw recently from Benjamin Franklin said, " Beware of little expenses, a small leak will sink a great ship."

As you navigate and move forward in this season of constant change, keep in mind CUE: Connectivity and Communication, Understanding and Engagement. These are three techniques you want to actively employ with your employees to help guide you on the bumpy road ahead.