As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves and remote working becomes the norm, Human Resources professionals attempt to balance the needs of all employees: both management and their direct reports. As HR departments all over the country navigate their individual needs based on industry, there are some basic necessary components needed for “survival” during this period.
- Open Communication & Transparency. Employees are nervous about the future and it is important that we do not over-promise but communicate that the company is doing everything possible to pursue all avenues of relief to keep the organization going.
- Planning and Focus. After the scramble to reorganize, set up remote working where possible and possibly even restructure, the next step is to plan for the future should this new way of working extend beyond our immediate expectations. Have we planned a continuation of changed duties and are these changed duties sustainable?
- Accountability. How do we engage our staff and manage their productivity? Companies have been using various means of communications, such as virtual meetings, chat rooms to allow teammates to collaborate on projects, and daily spreadsheets to manage and track the work being done. Either way, it is important to find ways to keep your staff accountable while being able to encourage engagement.
As management, we acknowledge that we truly do not have all the answers, and we are fearful of the unknown. It is however our job to tackle the obstacles and lead with calm and patience as we navigate through these tumultuous times.