How company leaders can better support their employees as they return to the office

Last week, I asked my Twitter followers how they feel about returning to work. Here are some responses that stuck out to me…?

“I’m currently working a hybrid schedule. As soon as my job requires more than 2 days from me I need to be in a new role.”

“ Totally against being mandated to go into the office.”?

“I feel more productive all-around at home. I’ve also relocated to another state during this pandemic and don’t want to move back”?

After more than 18 months of adjusting how and where we work, many companies are taking the leap and executing return-to-work plans. As a company leader, it can be challenging to develop a return-to-work strategy that satisfies both employees and key company stakeholders. Studies show only 10% of employees want to return to the office.?(Source: WPTV)

You have to understand your employees’ “re-entry anxiety” is real. Your business’ success depends on your employees’ well-being. So how can you ease their anxiety and support them as they return to the office?

Here are 3 tips for you:?

#1 - Use employee surveys and act

Employees are 4.6 times more likely to perform their best work when they feel their voices are being heard. Before you build out a return-to-work plan, ask them how they are feeling and what their ideal work environment looks like. Overall, 58 percent of employees wish their company conducted employee engagement surveys more frequently. You can also consider hosting virtual listening sessions with key stakeholders and employees to hear their feedback live.?(Source: Leadr, Achievers )

#2 - Be clear about safety protocols?

When easing fears around returning to the office, transparency is key. What are the office cleaning schedules? Will there be assigned desks? Will you mandate the vaccine for all in-office employees or bring COVID-19 testing on-site? Let employees know that their safety is a top priority will help lessen the concerns about returning to the office.?

To gain more insight on safety precautions, stay up to date on the latest information from the CDC and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

#3 - Lead with empathy?

As you build out your return-to-work plan, remember times have changed. Our pre-pandemic “normal” is no longer our reality. You will have to set new expectations for your employees. Be mindful that they could have lost loved ones, experienced financial hardships, and could have completely changed their lifestyle to care for their children or parents. People are grieving life before COVID-19 and anxious about what’s next. The pandemic has taken a toll on our mental health, and an empathetic leader is an effective leader.

I’m continuing this conversation during my FREE masterclass on Thursday, Sept. 30 at 7 pm EST. You will have a chance to hear some of the biggest concerns employees have about returning to the office, and leave with more insight on how you can better support your team during this transition.?

Register for my live public masterclass on September 30th at 7 pm EST. ?

Check out the latest Perfeqta blog post: How to make your employees feel more comfortable transitioning back to the office