We have all struggled through the pandemic to keep our heads above water, take care of our families, and continue making plans. As a business owner, you know that the well-being of your employees is a huge responsibility. As we move ahead into a post-Covid world, here are a few things that you can do to help them feel more secure in their roles.
Be Flexible With Their Work Situation
Offer flexible working hours to accommodate for any out-of-work responsibilities that they continue to have. Ask whether they would rather work at home or come back into the office. Provide them with the equipment and software that they need should they decide to continue working remotely.
Show That You Care About Their Health
Follow the government guidelines for making your place of work safe and keep your employees updated about the measures that you are taking. Rework your office space to allow for social distancing and install hand-washing stations. Encourage the use of masks if they make people feel more comfortable, even if the local legislature does not require them. Restrict the number of employees in the office at any given time.
Go The Extra Mile For New Hires
Research what prospective employees need in order to start their career with you. If you are hiring someone who requires a visa, consult an attorney to get to grips with immigration law in your state. Remember that the law in Texas may have different specific requirements than, say, South Carolina. Talk to an Austin immigration lawyer if you need a visa in that city. Recommend local neighborhoods where they can look for homes and schools. Give them a detailed breakdown of public transport routes in your area and ideas for weekend activities.
Provide Support Where You Can
Offer transport support for employees returning to the office, such as public transport tokens or a carpool program. Would a day-care room help employees with children, especially when so many people are home-schooling? Encourage an environment where your staff can come to you with problems and brainstorm solutions with them.
Make Them Feel Involved
Schedule regular meetings with your staff to discuss new ideas for the business. The pandemic has left many people feeling isolated and cut off from the company culture. Encouraging them to come to you with concepts and strategies will improve team morale. Ask them to reflect on the last year. Find out how they coped and what they think could be done better in the office.
Spend Out Of Work Time Together
Plan work events for your staff and their families to remind them that they are more than just your employees. This will re-establish the sense of teamwork and camaraderie that has been lost while working remotely.
