Employers and employees alike have endured and adjusted to months of disruption in the workplace. As we enter a new phase of the pandemic, more change and new workplace challenges are likely. Here are a few ways employers can help their employees thrive.
Change affects your employees in different ways - some employees will succeed, while others will struggle to adjust.
An employer's willingness to help employees cope can go a long way to reduce stress and anxiety.
Anxiety is at an all-time high. Employees may be fearful of contracting the virus, sending children to school, losing their job, or not being able to pay their bills. Now is the time to over-communicate. Build on the trust you've already gained by continuing to be empathetic, action-oriented, and transparent with accurate and timely information.
A new phase may call for adjustments in performance goals, as well as work-life balance. Define expectations, encourage an open, two-way dialogue and discuss feedback.
Also, rethink compensation structures, such as variable pay tied to retention versus performance, and pay adjustments based on where a remote worker lives.
From productivity to customer satisfaction, employee engagement impacts every part of the business. Studies suggests that employees who are not engaged cost U.S. businesses up to $550 billion in annual revenues. During this phase of the crisis, employers have an opportunity to improve the employee experience by shifting the focus on ways to keep employees engaged during change.
Experts predict the current phase of the pandemic will last through the end of the year and well into 2021. As we face more uncertainty and a future of a workplace in constant change, new strategies are required to help employees cope during every stage until the threat is over.
About Propel HR. Propel HR is an IRS-certified PEO that has been a leading provider of human resources and payroll solutions for more than 20 years. Propel partners with small to midsized businesses to manage payroll, employee benefits, compliance, and risks, and other HR functions in a way that maximizes efficiency and reduces costs.