Your employees are at the core of your business operations. Ensuring that your team is informed and able to report to work will be a foundational element of your return to work strategy. Here are some considerations that your HR team will need to plan for.
workforce considerations.
developing a return to work transition plan
While the government starts to relax measures, your employees may feel nervous about the idea of returning to work. It’s essential that you communicate with them and let them know about your plans in advance to ensure a successful transition back to work. Regular communication will show proactivity and assure your workforce that you have a carefully-considered transition plan.
rehiring employees after layoffs
You may have had to lay off employees at some point during the COVID-19 crisis. If you plan to rehire some or all of them, you will need to coordinate that process with your legal and HR teams. Some of them may be unable to come back to work, as they could have found another job or need to tend to a family member or friend. Have a robust talent recruitment plan to replace necessary headcount that are essential in business operations.
covering gaps in your workforce
You may find you have critical gaps in your workforce that need to be filled urgently before you can resume business activities. You will need to have a recruitment plan in place. If you need support building your talent pipeline and filling core roles quickly, a recruitment partner like Randstad can provide support and take this weight off your HR team. Reach out to our team to develop a recruitment strategy.
employees who refuse to return to work
Some employees may decide that they are not comfortable going back to work, even if businesses are given the go-ahead to reopen. For instance, employees who are immunocompromised or caring for children who are home due to school closures may not be able to get back to work immediately. Others may simply not feel comfortable returning for personal reasons such as fear of the virus or mental health concerns. You will need to determine who is permitted to work remotely and who must report to work on-site. Develop clear policies and communicate them with employees.
commuting to work
Determine if your employees have a safe mode of transportation to get to work that poses minimal risk to their health. Public transportation is not the best option at this time due to physical distancing measures. You can consider implementing staggered working hours or having a split-team arrangement to ensure a safe working environment for employees.
important note.
Randstad prepared these resources to share best practices to get back to work safely. The information is intended as a guideline only. Please do additional research and consult with experts before making decisions for your business.
