As we continue in lockdown due to the coronavirus crisis; companies must quickly adapt in how they continue operating and people manage their staff. Unlike most situations; companies did not have the luxury of preparing for the change and measures were put in place with little or no notice. The safety of staff and the survival of the company was and continues to be the main focus. The situation is rapidly developing and changing; it’s now more important than ever for companies to adapt and respond quickly to the crisis.
Working from home
Many employees are now working from home; juggling work responsibilities; childcare, being temporary teachers and having carer responsibilities. Companies must ensure effective communication and people management continues and all staff are aware of acceptable behaviours and codes of conduct.
Working from home is likely to be a new experience for many; not only employees but companies. Employees must be made aware of what is the companies expectations are from them. Companies must adapt their expectations to help support their colleagues. For example; changing the working hours for someone who has a young child at home. By allowing them to work alternative hours they will be able to concentrate on their working and fulfill their childcare needs.
Proactive and effective company wide communication tools to ensure the information is shared with all employees is very important. Unlike pre coronavirus days, communication during the crisis is necessary to reassure employees and to ensure they are aware of company developments, expectations and so on. Companies should look to use web based tools; such as Teams; Zoom and Skype to communicate with their staff.
Companies must ensure they fulfil their health and safety obligations and ensure safe working environments. Employees should be encouraged to have an open dialogue with their managers about their working conditions and any other concerns they may have.
Review existing policies
Companies should review their existing policies to ensure they are suitable for the current situation. For example; how absence reporting will be managed or how productivity will be measured. Expectations and revised processes should be communicated to all employees and closely monitored to ensure they meet the needs of the company and the staff.
Companies should forget the business as usual model and concentrate on business critical needs and staff welfare. HR can help companies in understanding and rethinking how we do business during these difficult times.
Quest can support you in how to rethink how you do business during the crisis; for more information please call 01455852028.
