For many, Summer and Fall 2021 will mark a return to the office. Whether it is full-time, part-time or on a flex rotating schedule, the return to the office environment will present a transitional period for all employees. Below are key ways to keep employee morale high and your team engaged and productive through this transition.
Focus on team building and communication
Many teams have seen a lot of organizational changes through the last year, from new hires, to new projects, and ultimately to a new working structure. It will be important to re-set the tone for in-office team communication. From the start, re-initiating in-person meetings and interactions will help lead to better long-term team effectiveness. Create clear and simple ways for your team to communicate in-person and remotely, so no matter the situation your team(s) can operate efficiently together
Provide support to employees
Whether you are excited, apprehensive, or indifferent about the adjustment of going back into the office, you must be cognizant of every employees’ comfort levels. Be sure to provide clear policies as well as technological support in giving employees in-office work environments that complement those they had created at home. The more open you are to supporting your employees’ new working needs, the more comfortable they will be through the transition and the better their productivity will be!
It will be key for Managers to be there to offer personal or emotional support. Returning to the office could increase pandemic-related stress and anxiety. It is important to show empathy and compassion in all the various situations that could arise. Increase access to mental health resources or adjust sick leave and mental health policies to better serve your staff through this.
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Emphasize Flexibility
In a survey done by Prudential Financial 87% of workers cited they would prefer to be able to work remotely at least 1 day a week. In this new professional landscape we are all navigating, many employees are looking for a hybrid working situation. When planning your new in-office and remote policies consider not requiring complete full-time in-office work. For those companies that this works for, it may help employees feel more comfortable with returning to the office and keep them more engaged in the company culture. If remote work is not a viable solution, look into offering your employees the ability to control their start and end times for the day. Giving employees more control and ownership over their working schedule can result in a more committed workforce and ultimately increase productivity levels.
Clarify Expectations
Throughout the past year, it has become increasingly important to employees that their leadership teams practice clear and transparent communication. A PwC Pulse Survey found that what workers want most from their corporate culture is updated policies on flexibility and more communication from leadership. Transparency helps employees feel like they are on solid footing and helps create a more stable environment where they can be comfortable communicating any concern(s) with leadership, as opposed to disengaging and/or leaving the company.
Be clear and open with your return to office policies and expectations. Plan ahead and give your staff time to adjust to the new policies as well as gain an understanding of how this will work best for the company and them.
As you transition into another “new” normal as a company and as a team, be sure to remember that employee morale may be the single most important aspect of your company’s culture and ultimate success. Engaged, comfortable and committed employees will be the key to productivity and a smooth transition into the future of your company.
