How Can Managers Support Their Staff to Work Safely at Home During COVID-19?
With the presence of a second nationwide lockdown, many of us will be continuing to work from home.
Although many of us have accepted this is the new normal for the foreseeable, some are either hoping it will go back to normal or still playing by old rules.
With the number of new COVID-19 cases rising exponentially again, it is up to business leaders to set a precedent for upcoming month.
Now is a good time for managers to re-think the way they manage their teams virtually, especially since this pandemic is predicted to roll into the next year.
Here’s what to bear in mind.
Stay connected
The aim for managers this month should be finding new ways to keep the team connected.
There needs to be emphatic changes to the skills, behaviours and practices that run their organisations as employee’s wellbeing, motivation and future of the company is at stake.
Many have been scheduling catchups or zoom drinks like you would if you were working together in person to check in on employees and to make sure nobody is lonely.
Developing digital one-on-ones, career coaching to reassure and, if necessary, retrain employees are both essential.
Some businesses have chosen to ‘buddy up’ their employees so that everyone has someone to check on them regularly.
Encourage your employees to stick to normal hours
The temptation to work outside of office hours from the comfort of your own home can be tempting for a lot of people right now.
What starts off as getting ahead of the next working day soon turns into burnout.
It’s important for managers to be aware of burnout now the barriers between home and their place of work have been erased completely.
Remind people that a little flexibility is good – many may be home with small children, but regular working hours are to be prioritised and, though the evenings look different, a work-life balance is still essential to good health.
Know the risks
Even though employees are working from home, employers are responsible by law for the health and safety of all employees.
Businesses are typically providing their employees with a budget for desks, desk chairs and any other items for comfortable and ergonomic living.
Make are you check each employee feels they can work safely from home and that reasonable adjustments are made for those with disabilities.
Whilst it is a new challenge, it is possible to support your staff to work safely at home during COVID-19.
Communication is key, as is providing support and maintaining regular contact with your employees also to make sure they do not feel isolated.
