Covid 19 stopped many businesses from operating and many had to adapt to allow key employees to operate from the office and other employees to work from their homes for the safety of all the employees. Thankfully, there is the emergence of light at the end of the tunnel and the Government is more confident to ease Covid 19 restrictions in the workplace so staff can return to a regular working life. Employers will have to look at ways to phase back employees into the workplace in a way that benefits the business, and balances the concerns of the employee, and provides a safe to place to work for staff.
Mental health
The employer’s skill at communicating with their staff will be very important to help restore the employee’s confidence to return to the workplace. Naturally, employers should not expect this to be a smooth transition as employee will still have serious concerns about Covid 19 and the emergence of various mutations of the Covid 19 virus. Employers should be prepared to be to react promptly to changing Government guidelines and understand that for many employees the events and restrictions of the past year have left a legacy of mental health issues. Some have dealt with the Covid 19 crisis better than others.
To help employees understand how the employer will deal with the return to the work place it would be advisable that the employer put together a written back to work plan and consult with employees about health and safety in the workplace and listen to the employees’ concerns. An induction meeting with the employee will help address these matters. Advice to employees on how to access various mental health support via the NHS and employer benefit schemes should be highted to the workforce. An open-door policy for employees to discuss concerns will be benefit both parties.
Employers can, when it is safe, phase employees back to work using a mixture of home and workplace working. It may become a common request from employees to have a hybrid working pattern. Employer should make the most of technology to allow fast interaction with their staff such as the use of video conferencing facilities.
Health and safety
Where employees raise concerns about Covid, employers should be prepared to address those concerns and discuss the businesses health and safety procedures. Employers should keep an eye on the latest Government and NHS guidance. Being prepared to act quickly and effectively is the key to reassuring staff that that the employer will ensure they will do everything reasonably practicable to protect them in the workplace. Employers for the time being should continue to follow social distancing guidance and practice in the workplace.
Employers who face the situation where employees refuse to return to work should investigate each case carefully. Where there is a genuine good reason, consider options such as home working, taking more time off by use of annual leave or unpaid leave or the use of furlough whilst it is still available as an option. Where the reasons are not genuine the employer can consider disciplinary action.
At Quest we can offer you advice and guidance about these complex issues. Please contact the advice line for further advice and guidance on 01455 852028.
