The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic made remote work the new norm. That transition was tough, especially for businesses with no systems to support such an arrangement.
It has been over two years, and many companies are slowly transitioning back to offices and workplaces. But, much like the initial transition to remote work, many employees are having trouble returning to traditional workplaces.
Working from home offered several conveniences that current employees are hesitant to relinquish. According to Statistics Canada, 80 percent of workers now prefer to spend at least half their hours working remotely.
Going back to the workplace after a long period of remote work might be difficult for many employees. Here’s how leaders and managers could help ease the burden.
Have a Transition Plan
Before bringing all your employees back into the office, make sure you have a plan. You can even involve your employees in the decision-making process.
An excellent way to ease everyone back in is by starting with a hybrid arrangement. Start by getting people to come in for two days a week. You can then increase the number of days according to your needs until everyone is fully adjusted.
This scheduling will make the change less daunting, especially for employees hesitant to come back into the office.
Set Clear Safety and Security Protocols
Health, safety, and security are some of the main concerns surrounding a return-to-work policy.
The pandemic isn’t over, and employees may still be hesitant about leaving their homes daily for work. To address the issue, you can ensure that all workers are vaccinated. It’s a good idea to provide COVID-19 tests if anyone gets exposed to the virus in the workplace.
It’s also vital to check and update your security systems. Getting products for ID and security is essential for businesses, particularly those dealing with sensitive information or outside visitors.
Allow Grieving
Suppose your team has been working from home for a while; returning to the office could be difficult. Aside from control over their time, they may also have to give up other important things.
Many people have had to juggle doing their job and taking care of things around the house. They may have established a productive and healthy schedule that would be disrupted by returning to the office. Some may have lost their loved ones to the pandemic.
Going back to the office will require employees to restructure their lives once more. The transition could affect productivity and morale, particularly during the first weeks.
Talk to your team about these new changes and lend a sympathetic ear. You can still be reasonable about work standards while allowing your group some space to grieve and adjust.
Explain the Necessity of the Transition
Many employees reported performing well, if not better, while working from home. However, this experience may not be the case for your particular business or industry.
Be transparent about your company’s decision-making process surrounding the return-to-work policy. What factors led to the decision? What benefits does the setup provide for the business and the employees?
Talking about the process will help your team better understand the decision and help them during the adjustment period.
Going back to the workplace presents a significant challenge for leaders and employees alike. With many employees resistant to this change, businesses must take the initiative.
Make sure to decide what is best for the company while addressing employee concerns. Finding the right balance will help the company achieve its goals while retaining its best workers.