RETURNING TO WORK DURING THE PANDEMIC

In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity – Sun Tzu

As we slowly ease in to Phase 3, going back to work is now starting to feel like a mix of confusion and chaos. But we recommend not looking at it that way. Several months of taking a step back should bring in new perspectives on how to approach work. Take this as an opportunity to improve your work and process and to build a stronger team. Here are some tips that can help you when returning to your office for the first time (in a long time) again.

1. Make the Workplace Safe

Upon returning to work after COVID-19, health and safety should be your biggest focus. The first step is ensuring the physical workplace is safe for you and your colleagues to work in. Even if your office is disinfected and sanitized regularly, it won’t hurt keeping a personal stash of sanitation kits that can come in handy on different situations.

2. Encourage Good Hygiene.

It doesn’t matter if you’re practicing safety protocols if your colleagues are not. Always remind everyone to follow safety guidelines to make sure your workplace is a healthy place for everyone. Someone sneezed? Sanitize. Paying cash after a lunch out? Sanitize. Make sure everyone is on the same boat.

3. Support Each Other’s Mental Health

Self-isolation and several months of circuit breaker will take a toll on some people’s mental health. All those alone time can build up feelings of anxiety, stress, depression, even panic attacks. As much as possible, try to be there for colleagues that still has leftover effects from isolation or if you are the one suffering from it, inform your managers that you are struggling. Mental health is very important to make sure you are at your best when doing your work.

4. Encourage Social Interaction

Find ways to creatively maintain your team’s social interaction while still having fun. Some employees may need clarity, reassurance, and guidance on creating work “zones” and defining a clear protocol for work safety. It is also important to set up boundaries around work and non-workspaces, times, and devices.

5. Rebuild Workplace Morale

The human component of returning to office life requires as much focus as the practical one. For staff who have been away from their workplaces for weeks or months, returning will feel unsettling. A successful business thrives on happy and motivated staff so having high office morale is very important, especially on these times. If you are a manager, acknowledge any employee concerns and dispiritedness and treat announcements regarding the new operating environment with sensitivity. It is also important to recognize and highlight employees’ exceptional efforts.

Even if we might not know for sure when this will come to an end, it is nevertheless a finite situation. Maintain regular, honest communication with your team. Talk about what you and they want to do during this period, the systems you might employ for doing it, how you will gauge your success, and ultimately how you plan to transition and merge these efforts together with existing priorities and structures once regular working conditions resume.