How will you welcome your employee back to work?
As we prepare to return to our offices, employers and employees are understandably quite nervous. Questions have arisen around workplace health and safety legislation in Canada – and while organizations are doing their best to keep up to legal standards, quelling individual worker apprehension is trickier.
HRD spoke to Arran Stewart, co-founder and CVO of blockchain-powered recruitment platform Job.com, who revealed how leaders can help quash any employee concerns.
“People have been bombarded with information over the past year,” he told HRD. “From government legislations to breaking news to companywide memos, employees are, understandably, feeling overwhelmed. Vaccines are now being rolled out – however, people are still anxious about returning to work.
Read more: Are managers behind pay inequality?
“The dynamics of our workplaces are changing. Even though most people will have had the vaccination when they go back to work, employers need to create an environment that still involves wearing facial masks, donning protective gear, removing desks, and creating viable space.
Read more: Is CEO pay shrinking?
“People are nervous about workplace health and safety – in particular in regards to hygiene. As such, it’s important to review and revamp your policies. Ask your employees their thoughts on how you can improve wellbeing in the workplace. Listen to their concerns or their ideas. When we do return to the office, some people will find this change a real struggle. Adopt an open-door policy and make sure employees know they can come to you if they need to. Most importantly, remember to lead with compassion and empathy.”
How are you welcoming employees back to the office? Tell us in the comments.
