INFORMATION

Navigating the return to the office

Despite the roadmap out of lockdown being thrown slightly off course, it still feels like the pandemic could be drawing to a close. Julian Smith (pictured), a coach at business advisory service The Alternative Board, explains how firms should approach this.

The end is nigh. No not that one, the one where we can look forward to a return to the office for our team members who have been furloughed or working from home during this last crazy year or so. An end to lockdown, finally!

What do I mean? I mean the changes in working practices, processes and environment that we need to consider and have in place for employees.

Businesses have had to adapt working practices and manage costs in ways they never had to consider before. Many have shown great adaptability to manage their way through remote working and the world of online meetings very well.

THE PEOPLE PROBLEM

The major challenge I don’t personally feel we’ve seen or had to deal with in any major way is the people problem.

As business leaders, we’re expected to have the answers, be on the front foot and lead. Now is the time to do that as we manage our employees back into the workplace. If you want to achieve your financial goals, then your team must come first, and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides information on social distancing and hygiene management for when team members return.

Some of the bigger questions we need to consider are: • What new working practices will you provide your team? • Will you offer flexible hours for them to be in the office and when they can work from home? • Will you adapt working hours so that they can work from home one day a week or more? • Do you need to have rotas in place that provide the chance for all team members to work in the office but adhere to the HSE requirements at the same time? • What will your policy be towards staff who don’t wish to have the vaccine or other staff who don’t wish to sit near them? • How will you approach and support the needs of your employees with their mental health and general wellbeing?

HAPPINESS IS KEY TO SUCCESSFUL WORKPLACE

I raise the final question above because I believe this is critical.

I read a great article recently from James Timpson, CEO of Timpsons, where he said he has three secret weapons in his business: Elaine, Marion and Janet.

One is a trained counsellor, one a financial health first aider and, finally, Janet who is director of happiness.

James accepts not every business can afford three superstars like his, but his point is that every person in your business needs to be heard, helped and nurtured.

The mindset, health and perspective our employees are facing as they return to the workplace has been influenced by extreme circumstances from losing loved ones because of the pandemic to financial hardship, lack of motivation or even agoraphobia.

Their needs and demands from their employer could well be different to what it was. Have you really given enough thought to this? Are you ready for it?

And don’t forget yourself in all this and what you need to stay well balanced and healthy.