7 Questions Senior Management need to consider when preparing to come out of lockdown
Suzie Bogle MA, FCIPD FCMI
![Suzie Bogle MA, FCIPD FCMI]()
Suzie Bogle MA, FCIPD FCMI
Leading independent HR Consultancy in Yorkshire. We guide and support businesses through the complexities of people management, so they have the space to focus on growing their businesses.
- Have your organisational goals and priorities changed? Most probably “yes”. Revising goals and proprieties and being able to communicate this clearly to employees is vital.
- Are we ready to open? Based on the answer to #1, the organisation needs to honestly assess the situation. You might want to open, however it might make more sense to delay and ensure the company’s supply chain is 100% ready. Or maybe the company would benefit from a phased approach over a longer time frame.
- What’s our workforce plan for the next 3 / 6 / 9 months? What about next year? The answers to #1 and #2 are going to drive how many employees are needed and in what roles. If the organisation doesn’t have those positions filled, what’s the plan? Organisations will also need to decide if there are any skills that they will need to build internally or if they need to bring in new skills to complement the current team.
- What do we need to keep employees safe? Do you need PPE? Should you take employee temperatures? What will you do if an employee shows symptoms or tests positive in the workplace?
- Where are employees going to work? The answer to #4 might drive this. Organisations are not going to be able to simply send an email that says, “Starting Monday, everyone needs to come into the office. Normal business hours.” During quarantine, employees may have assumed care giving needs. Organisations will need to continue working with employees on remote work arrangements.
- Do we have the right technology? This ties into #5. Most companies were not prepared in terms of having the technology tools in place for employees working remotely. Organisations that find themselves with a larger remote workforce might need to look at their technology needs. For remote employees to be productive, they need reliable and secure technology.
- What happens if there’s a relapse? Not just what will the company do if someone tests positive in the workplace (from #4) but what if lockdown is reinstated? While organisations had to react quickly initially, there’s every reason to now put a plan in place. And that plan should be communicated to employees.
People Partnering Manager
4 年Some very thought provoking questions and ones that we never thought we’d see having to to consider
Personal Assistant to Managing Director at Breathing Space HR
4 年Excellent food for thought for everyone to consider Suzie, not just senior managers. No doubt employees will have some really good input when it comes to working out the "hows". #bshr
Leading independent HR Consultancy in Yorkshire. We guide and support businesses through the complexities of people management, so they have the space to focus on growing their businesses.
4 年Great advice Suzie. We have also prepared comprehensive 'return to work' support packs for our clients