With the government soon to announce whether we can begin to take steps to return to something that resembles ‘normal’, you’ll be thinking about planning for a return.
Here are a few things to consider…
Increased contact – hopefully you’ll have been in regular contact with your team, but now more than ever you’ll want to ensure employees feel engaged. Update on developments in the business will bring them up to speed and organising virtual team events are a fun and easy way to reintegrate.
Working practices – it’s likely things will look completely different on employees’ return. Share any alterations to working practices, procedural changes, or anything that has changed the way the employee will need to carry out their role so they hit the ground running.
Finding flexibility – returning employees will have to consider any caring, childcare, or travel arrangements before they return. Being open to flexible arrangements (altered start / finish times for example) will help to smooth the transition back into the business.
Listen to concerns – most will be happy to return, some might need extra reassurance. Explain clearly the steps you’ve taken to make the workplace safe and secure and make sure they have a copy of your safe return to work and / or coronavirus policy with the details (click here for a copy of ours).
Remember the rules – absent employees might want to be helpful by picking up work, but remind them that carrying out any work whilst still furloughed could jeopardise your ability to claim reimbursement under the Job Retention Scheme.
Get in touch if you need support in making your plans or managing a return to the workplace.
