The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many Singapore businesses and employees to navigate a whole new normal. For many people, this is uncharted territory. The good news is that companies can take many steps to help employees adjust.
This blog post lists five tips to help your employees get through these difficult times.
1. Offer a Flexible Work Arrangement
Employees are under a lot of stress now as they adjust to this new normal. The needs of their family members may also change from day to day.
Employees also face challenges when it comes to childcare. Due to school closures, many parents are still trying to find a comfortable balance between work and caring for their children at home.
Offering employees the ability to work flexibly will help them overcome these challenges. Companies, for example, can provide a hybrid work setup. Employees can work from home or the office as needed. This arrangement will allow employees to adapt their work schedules according to what is happening at home and in the community.
Another option is to allow employees to telecommute or work from home and change the business approach to results-oriented than time-centric.
2. Create a Safe Working Environment
Employees need to feel safe to be productive. This means that employers should take steps to ensure a healthy and safe working environment.
Disinfect all common areas, such as the office kitchen, break room, and bathrooms. Remind employees to wash their hands and avoid touching their faces regularly. Improve ventilation and install temperature monitoring systems in the office.
Other methods of ensuring a safe workplace include putting up signs that remind employees to observe social distancing. Employers should also consider installing dividers between workstations to maintain their safety bubble at all times.
Provide care packages that include alcohol, sanitizers, and a medical face mask with excellent filters. Invest in the best type of mask the company can afford. Usually, it fits snugly in the face and filters microparticles more effectively than cloth or fabric masks. Unlike surgical masks, this one can also be reusable.
3. Communicate with Your Employees Regularly
Communication is critical in these difficult times. Employers should frequently communicate with their employees to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Send out memos and updates regularly. Hold town hall meetings or webinars so that employees can ask questions directly. Translate all communications in different languages when necessary.
Create a COVID-19 preparedness plan so that employees know what to do during emergencies like local outbreaks. Designate a contact person employees can go to if they have any questions or concerns about COVID-19.
4. Support Their Mental Health
Employees are facing a lot of stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They may feel anxious, scared, and alone. Employers need to provide support to their employees’ mental health.
Offer resources such as online counseling or hotlines. Encourage employees to take breaks when needed and go for walks outside. Promote self-care by providing wellness programmes or arranging for massages.
If any employees are struggling with COVID-19, be sure to provide them with the necessary support. Ensure that they have access to medical professionals and counselling services. Employers can also arrange for team-building activities to connect.
Positivity is contagious, so employers should promote a positive work environment in their organisation. It will go a long way in helping employees get through this challenging time and come out stronger on the other side.
5. Train Employees on How to Use the New Tools and Technology
The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced many new tools and technology that employees may not be familiar with. Employers need to provide training on how to use these platforms.
This includes online meeting platforms, video conferencing software, and virtual workspaces. Employees should be comfortable using these tools to continue working remotely.
Additionally, employers should provide training on using the company’s new business applications. It will help employees get up to speed quickly and be more productive.
Technology can also be used to monitor employee productivity. Employers can set up alerts for when employees are not meeting their goals or working enough hours.
They can also set up an “idle” alarm that goes off when employees are not working at their desks for more than 15 minutes. These tools will help employers track which employees need additional training or support with the new technology and tools.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on businesses around the world. But with these tips, employers can help their employees navigate the new normal effectively.
Remember to keep in mind that everyone is affected differently by this crisis. Some will take it harder than others and need more time to adapt. Be patient, flexible, and understanding.