With people getting vaccinated and coronavirus restrictions lifting, companies are starting to resume in-person work. However, suddenly shifting to an office setting requires some adjustments.
Here we compiled 3 ways to get your team ready for in-person work:
1. Words of Encouragement
Most companies have been remote for over a year, and employees might need more time to get into the rhythm of in-person work. What employers can do is make the adjustment less stressful by offering words of encouragement and appreciation to help pull rather than push your team back to the office. A study from Cicero found that employees who receive strong performance recognition resulted in a stronger desire to work for the company. Expressing appreciation is essential to retain your company’s talents.
“No matter how busy you are, you must take time to make the other person feel important.”— Mary Kay Ash, esteemed founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics, Inc. who self-made her legacy from the ground up.
2. Safe and Healthy Workplace
Employees’ safety always comes first, so it’s essential to be mindful when returning to in-person work. Instead of greeting your employees with a handshake, it might be time to shift to waving, fist bumps, or even placing hands-over-heart. Having less physical contact and requiring face masks help create a safe work environment for everyone.
Last year, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued guidelines that employers can mandate employees to be vaccinated. When deciding whether or not to mandate, employers should be attentive to the needs of the office. Should they decide to mandate vaccination, employers should provide clear instructions on proof of vaccination and accommodation for those who can’t take the vaccine due to religious or medical reasons. With proof of vaccination, an employee can attend work knowing the environment is healthy and safe.
3. Be Transparent
With everyone back in the office, it’s crucial to establish expectations clearly to avoid miscommunication. Just because we’ve shifted back to in-person work doesn’t mean we should dismiss online communication forums. Posting updates and having information typed digitally can help reduce errors and missing deadlines.
Besides making information more accessible online, it’s even more important to make sure every team member is on the same page with the information. Try hosting a stand-up meeting every day to quickly run down what employees are working on and where they need help. By collecting a snapshot of the day’s work, employees can adjust work priorities and assist with any challenges. This practice fosters collaboration and transparency to produce better work.
