When the Coronavirus (COVID-19) hit the nation, businesses experienced a wide range of hurdles. From layoffs and furloughs to remote workplaces, the traditional 9-to-5 business operations evolved when COVID-19 forced businesses to adapt. As businesses are beginning to re-open and bringing employees back to the office, businesses can expect additional issues to arise. The most prominent will be the work-life balance.
Parents working remote may have experienced difficulty performing work due to school and childcare closings and children being home while working. Other parents may have experienced more positive family relations working remote, such as being able to spend more time with their family and to promptly address family emergencies. Employees without children may have experienced marital strains or boosts. Financial and mental health issues may have surfaced due to layoffs, furloughs, and businesses temporarily closing.
Work-life balance will likely continue to be a complex process for employers to successfully implement. As times change, businesses must adapt. Here are some tips for creating an adequate work-life balance post-pandemic.
Set clear expectations. If you’re allowing employees to continue working remote, establishing clear expectations for remote employees will offer guidance on compliance and address workplace policies in remote settings. These expectations may include outlining business hours, what is and isn’t permitted during business operations, meeting and calendar expectations, and other related subjects as they pertain to your industry and business operations.
Extend flexible scheduling. Schools and childcare services may still be closed or in the process of re-opening. Allowing flexible scheduling can alleviate any stress employees who have children may be still experiencing. Other considerations may include doctor appointments, child drop-off and pick-up, pet care, and familial emergencies.
Promote and prioritize health and safety. As employees are transitioning back to their new normal and daily routines, it is imperative for employers to promote and prioritize health and safety. Developing and communicating cleaning protocols, safe workplace practices (i.e., hand washing, physical distancing, face masks, etc.), and resources for employees in the workplace are integral to employee health and safety. Mental health issues are on the rise due to COVID-19 and employers should remain proactive and diligent in their efforts to support all health needs of their employees.
Incorporating a post-coronavirus workplace preparedness checklist can help you tackle return to work issues, such as work-life balance. If you need assistance with modifying your employee handbook provisions regarding sick leave, PTO, attendance, and other COVID-related issues, please contact Human Capital. Our HR specialists are equipped with expertise and resources to find an HR solution that best suits your business needs.
