8 Tips to Make Your Employees Feel Safe

Whether you are preparing to bring your employees back to the workplace, have already done so, or are adopting a hybrid approach, it is important to consider the concerns and uncertainties that your workforce might be experiencing. There should be a strong focus on mitigating workplace anxiety in your return-to-work planning. Policies and safety protocols are critically important, but it is also imperative to prepare your workforce emotionally and psychologically for returning.  

Managing Change – Anxiety is lessened when people know what to expect. This is one reason it is so important to communicate what the workplace will be like when employees return. There is likely a wide range of expectations among employees on how it will go.  Managing these expectations and explaining the reasons for any changes can help ease anxieties.

Pulse Surveys – This is a relatively easy way to check in and gather data on your employees’ circumstances and feelings about the current environment. Pulse surveys provide management a snapshot into how employees are doing and an opportunity to analyze by demographics or other categories.  Remember, it is critical that you not only review and analyze the findings, but also act.  Consider sending out regular pulse surveys so employees can voice their thoughts and concerns if they do not feel comfortable sharing directly.

Transparency – Remember that in the absence of regular, clear communication, people may create their own translation of the truth.  Avoid assumptions and misunderstandings with the following communication practices:

• Communicate frequently, making everyone aware of ongoing changes.
• Make sure you are providing adequate details of changes so employees can follow proper procedures.
• Consider using a variety of communication channels: email, text, signage, webinars, video, etc.
• Highlight how the organization is following proper government-recommended guidelines.
• Share new measures that are being taken to ensure the health and safety of employees returning to work.
• Provide instructions on workplace arrival and how it will differ from the standard employees may have been used to.
• Inform personnel of any changes to the work environment that could catch them by surprise.
• Provide and explain any modified policies and have them easily accessible.

Workspace Reconfiguration – Consider rearranging desks and work areas to encourage and maintain proper social distancing.  

Flexibility – To the extent possible, provide schedule flexibility when bringing employees back to work. This will not only give employees a sense of feeling valued and cared for but will also allow for increased social distancing.

Health Checks – Conducting health checks not only encourages employees to stay home if they are sick, but also creates an extra sense of security that they are working in a healthy, non-contaminated workspace.

Personal Protection Protocol – Set clear expectations for employees’ use of PPE. Encourage participation and an attitude of learning, so all employees feel safe and comfortable.

Community Safety – It is inevitable that people are going to have different perspectives on what is necessary for their safety. For this reason, it is vital to provide clear communication and ensure employees are following procedures. Remind everyone they are part of the work community and keeping everyone safe and healthy is the priority.

Employees are inevitably worried about many variables: their health, their family's health, and the future of their organization, job, and industry. It is essential for businesses to focus on the personal experience of employees and to create a feeling that they will be taken care of within their workplace. Be clear and upfront with your employees about measures you have put in place to ensure their health and wellness. Remember, your employees’ physical and psychological sense of safety are equally important. Focus on communication and regularly check on employees' feelings and concerns to create an environment where they feel appreciated and secure.

The above content is not meant, nor should it be construed, to provide information that is specific to any law(s). You should be aware that these laws are changing rapidly. The above is not legal advice, and you should consult with counsel concerning the applicability of any law to your particular situation.

Sources:

https://www.inc.com/brit-morse/reopening-workplace-help-employees-feel-safe-psychologically.html

http://www.familybusinessleadership.org/uncategorized/preparing-your-business-for-re-opening/

https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-operations/risk-management/20200512-return-to-the-office/?ecid=CVSTG000005085409&utm_campaign=2020-05-17-Executive-Street-Team&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua

https://www.forbes.com/sites/maneetahuja/2020/06/01/how-to-return-to-the-office/#5fc4cc4462a7

https://www.inc.com/brit-morse/reopening-workplace-help-employees-feel-safe-psychologically.html