COVID-19 Returning to ‘normal’
With the National Safe Workplace Principles together with the easing of restrictions and employers planning a safe work plan for employees to return to physical workplace (with assistance from Safe Work Australia) you can see that businesses are trying to get back to some ‘normal’ however in reality however things are still not ‘normal’ – it is still uncertain for us all.
Some individuals are nervous about returning to the physical workplace for various reasons and as we spoke about last week, it is important during this time for employers to be patient with their employees about this as there are psychological considerations in the physical return to the workplace.
However, let’s not forget that this too is also an uncertain time for employers. Employers are looking at the responses in the market, if and how they can remain sustainable to ensure they can not only exist in the future but ensure they can hold on to all of their staff and if not as many as possible. This means, with industrial relations considerations of course, employers may ask employees to take annual leave, work reduced days / hours, temporarily alter duties, locations or days and times of work to keep things going as best they can.
The considerations on both sides makes for a very unsettling time for both parties, but at the end of the day the desired result for both parties is to have their employees in jobs. It is therefore important for all parties to be kind and considerate.
Uncertain times lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, upset, anxious, these feelings are absolutely normal so it’s important to recognise them and ask colleagues or your boss and your managers to ask their team members if they are ok? RUOK? It’s a time to look after yourself and each other and to encourage this of others. These feelings however effect productivity. Whilst this is expected and a time to be understanding, for the end goal of ensuring employees are in jobs, it’s not the time to let productivity drop. It’s an important to remain focused.
Employers should therefore acknowledge the uncertainty as ignoring it may make it worse. Acknowledge how your team members may feel but talk about how you would like them to behave and to focus on what they can control – their work. Discussions around some things they can do to reduce distractions, helping them prioritise their work and give them some control over their actions and work schedule, encourage good sleeping routines, exercising and eating well will help. It is also a really good time to reconnect with the organisational values, how employees behave – with clients, customers, public and each other. Don’t let the uncertainty be an excuse for not getting work done.
Again, as we have been saying, now is the time to consult and communicate with your team.
During this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are sending out relevant information weekly to do our bit to assist. If you are not already receiving them, please sign up via our contact page on our website.
If you require advice on these principles and detailed information relevant to your workplace in your plans to return your workplace towards normal, please let us know. We are here to help. We remain available via email or phone – leisa.messer@hrbd.com.au or 0401 271 616 | 07 3890 2066.
We hope you are OK. Take care. Keep safe.
The Team at HR Business Direction