Four ways to plan for a safe return to the office

With mask mandates dropping and government mandates relaxing, employers are all set to tackle their return to office plans. However, with the news that two in five employees would quit if their leaders enforced a fully in-office model, HR has a challenge on their hands. Essentially, how can you recall your employees to your offices without upsetting the status quo and contributing to the ever-growing Great Resignation?

Read more: Google delays U.S. workers’ return to office

HRD spoke with Catherine Bergeron, health and safety lead at Peninsula, who offered up some top tips on how to plan for a safe return to the office.

1. Involve employees in the decision

“Employees have been working remotely on and off for two years now so involving employees in the decision to go back into the office is important,” explained Bergeron. “This will make your employees feel valued, comfortable, and empowered when it comes to making these decisions. Although, remember it is the employer’s right to make decision to bring their employee back into the workplace.”

2. Employee support

Canadians are still feeling the stress and anxiety because of the pandemic. This can potentially increase as people return to the office. Train managers and supervisors to recognize when a staff member needs additional support. All employees need to be aware of the available resources they can access for help such as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Another way to help is regular check-ins with your team.

“Workers who claim they cannot physically come back to work because of anxiety issues should be dealt with in accordance with the employer’s accommodation process,” added Bergeron. “They should be requested to submit a medical note with clear limitations.  The goal is to understand if there is any way the employer can accommodate them with a better solution than segregating them at home.  It could be accommodations such has providing a desk in a calmer space or a quiet room where they can go to relax.”

3. Create a Return-To-Work Plan

“To ensure a smooth transition all staff need to be aware and in the loop about the plan to return to work,” explained Bergeron. “This will be the most important part for a smooth return.”

Read more: Ergotron CEO: Give employees ‘flexibility and autonomy’

Ensure to communicate the following with your employees:

• Who is expected to return
• When they are expected to return
• At what frequency are they expected to be there
• Measures you are taking to keep them safe
• Protocols they must follow (refer to your Safety Plan)
• Person to talk to or ways to report any concerns or suggestion for a safer workplace.

4. COVID-19 guidelines

“Although restrictions are being lifted in Ontario and Alberta, businesses still need to have a COVID-19 response plan in place to ensure staff are protected,” she continued. “Many companies are in the midst of deciding what restrictions and guidelines they may want to keep in place even after restrictions such as mask mandates and proof of vaccine are lifted. Be open with employees and have discussions on what will help them feel safe. It’s important to remember that is it the employer’s responsibility to provide a safe workplace.”