Without doubt, the last five months of our lives have been some of the most trying in living memory. For many people up and down the United Kingdom, life has been irrevocably changed since the COVID-19 outbreak began in earnest. Naturally, it’s left a lot of people with issues working; where possible, employers have been having staff work at home. And while that has been useful for keeping things productive, has it been safe?
While staff have worked hard to remain in some kind of normalcy in such trying times, it hasn’t been perfect. Indeed, Utility Bidder has recently provided a startling survey that showed that workers are facing a variety of well-being challenges. That’s why Utility Bidder has also brought forward an interesting campaign to try and help employers give their remote employees an easier time of dealing with lockdown.
As part of this campaign, a variety of useful ideas and tips have been provided that employers could look to implement for everyone. If you are an employer, you might wish to look to use some of the following ideas.
1. Offer more viable communication
While you can’t exactly tell your staff that you have brought an end to the COVID-19 issue overnight, you can provide them more with useful communication about where the business is at.
Reach out, and most importantly of all be honest with your staff. They are the lifeblood of your business, so let them know about the reality of the situation. Be clear and honest, even if it means having to break from management speak.
2. Offer working realities
Try and give your staff some more idea about the reality of job security, too. Many people are struggling with the fact that their job might be lost due to the company not being able to sustain their position. If you think this could be the case, then you should be honest.
Don’t tell people they are safe only to volte face in a few weeks. At this moment in time, honesty is your ally.
3. Provide tools for a good balance
A key part of the Utility Bidder survey also showed that many staff, some 38%, were worried about having a poor work/life balance. Whether that means that their working hours soon become far outside of the norm or they find it hard to get into work mode, employers should be looking to provide assistance for a good balance.
This means perhaps using software and apps to help keep track of time for who is and isn’t involved on a regular basis. Use that for good and bad, though; if someone is putting in an excessive amount of time, make sure they get enough tools to help retain a good and fair life balance.
Your staff need to come back to work feeling healthy and ready to contribute. If they are working from home remotely, investing in some software, apps, and tips to help them stay well balanced is essential. Don’t let staff become used to half days or used to working far beyond their normal finishing time. some normalcy is needed in these uncertain times, so do all that you can to be upfront and honest with your staff, and to help them find the best ways to retain the right balance.
The studies are in – people need help, and it’s vital that you can provide it as a business owner.