While planning to keep employees physically safe, employers must not forget the impact of Covid-19 on individuals’ emotional and psychological health. Nearly half of employees are concerned their employers will bring them back to work before it’s safe, and more than half worry about the future of the company they work for — and their job specifically. The anxiety generated by these circumstances can produce fatigue, concentration problems, increased use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, and worsening of existing health conditions — all of which have the potential to negatively impact work performance. Drawing on their experience as people, culture and change consultants, the authors identified five things employers must do to help reduce employee re-entry and anxiety: 1) Make employee well-being your top priority; 2) Share accurate, timely, and transparent information; 3) Take swift action to implement recommended public health measures; 4) Train leaders, managers, and colleagues on how to support employees; and 5) Offer employee flexibility.
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As many states are giving the green light to reopen, employers are developing plans to bring employees back to work safely, giving careful thought to schedules, seating configurations, visitor policies, elevator usage, food delivery, and much more.
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