On new years eve 2019, none of us could have predicted that we would end up living in a global pandemic this year.
For some lockdown has meant their workload has increased, for others their work has continued as normal, but going to work as normal has meant they’ve put their health at risk. For some they have adapted to working from home, and for others they have been out of work learning to get by on a reduced salary. One thing is for certain, we’ve all been impacted by the Coronavirus in one way or another.
As the lockdown has now eased dramatically from what it was, there are mixed feelings on whether it is too soon or not, but for many they don’t get a choice whether they can go back to work or not. As a business it is your responsibility to ensure the welfare of your colleagues and to make sure you’re doing all you can to prevent their risk of catching Coronavirus. It is however equally important to consider and look after their mental wellbeing.
It is advised to treat the return to work like a return to work from any long absence – providing a phase return, allowing colleagues to readjust at a comfortable pace. It may be worth checking in with your team before their return, providing a brief of what the plan is to reintroduce them into the workplace, and what the new normal looks like in terms of keeping socially distanced and safe whilst at work. By having this conversation prior to them coming back, you are offering them reassurance that you are doing all you can to provide a safe working environment, and indeed confirming that you care about their wellbeing.
If you work for a business fortunate enough to look to have employees work from home long term, ensure that the sufficient equipment is provided to your colleagues. It can be stressful having to adjust to using a new desktop / laptop when you’re not particularly IT savvy. Provide how to guides, videos, or send someone from the office to set up everything for them.
Communication is the key, although we have to social distance, and some may be working from home it is important to keep the interaction up. Having regular team briefs is a great way of keeping up team morale, and helping to keep to a routine. If you are fortunate enough to have a support service available within your orgainisation, then make sure this is well advertised, so that anyone struggling feels they can tell someone, and seek help if needed.
The most important thing to promote is selfcare, ensure your colleagues feel valued and know that you care. Encourage colleagues to take their contracted breaks, even when working from home ensure they still get up, off their screens and have a change of scenery. Although we’re working differently and can’t necessarily travel anywhere it is still important to take annual leave. Having holiday allows employees to completely switch off from work, and to focus on themselves, we all need a break from time to time.
If you are struggling at the moment, or have a colleague who could do with some extra help and guidance, then check out the NHS website for some advice and support, link below:
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
