With a global pandemic emerging during 2020, the world has shifted economically, emotionally, and politically. As an employer, the chances are that you have had to diversify, adapt, and mitigate more risk than ever in order to survive. With the pandemic showing no signs of abating, it’s crucial that we are able to manage our workforces effectively and sympathetically.
Many people are suffering with anxiety and poor mental health as coronavirus takes its toll. It’s crucial that you can help your staff team work productively but safely. Their wellbeing is more important than ever and you need to play your part to facilitate a calm, safe, and respectful working environment.
Remote Working
Embrace the concept of remote working to allow your staff team to work more flexibly. The world of work was beginning to shift to a more home-based way of working, but this has been accelerated by the Covid-19 crisis. Many employers are concerned about allowing their team to work from home as they assume that they will not be as productive. However, studies have shown that workers are just as capable at performing to a high standard, meeting targets, and being productive in the home office. By actioning remote working, you can remove a level of stress from your employees. They no longer have to worry about making it into work or be afraid of passing on coronavirus to those people who are more vulnerable in their household.
Don’t Neglect Upskilling
Your staff will still want their careers to go forward even during a time of national crisis. As a responsible employer, ensure that you keep investing in your staff. By using a learning management system, like the one provided by Janison, you can develop the skills of your team and close any skills gaps that you have in your business at the same time. You can set up a central training schedule and create bespoke learning plans for your workforce. Set up professional development meetings and craft a learning journey for each of your staff members. This could be paying towards an MBA, allowing day-release to gain a qualification, or setting up in-house training. Your staff will appreciate how much you value their work and morale will be boosted in turn.
Environment
If you do welcome your staff team back into the office on a more flexible basis, you need to ensure that your working environment is safe and adheres to Covid guidelines. Have face coverings and hand sanitizer available for your team, sit your employees two meters apart and back to back, utilize virtual meetings, and eliminate hot desking. By helping your staff to feel Covid-secure, you can contribute to more positive mental health attitudes within your staff.
Mental wellbeing is crucial to the wider health of your workforce. Embrace remote working, facilitate a dynamic and safe working environment for your team, and continue to upskill and invest in your staff. Do your bit as an employer to ensure that your team feel safe, happy, and motivated to work productively.
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