After what has felt like a continued state of lockdown limbo, rules and restrictions are slowly being relaxed and the government are encouraging more employees to return to work – where it is safe to do so. As shops, pubs, restaurants, outdoors sport clubs and other vicinities open at varying capacities, more opportunities will arise for businesses to take staff off furlough and bring them back to work. This is a relief for many company owners and employees who are keen to get business back to normal and ride the economic storm with as much united strength as possible. But it also brings many challenges for employers, not least of all ensuring the physical health and mental wellbeing of employees as they readjust to yet another new norm.
For many employees, an extended pause from work has been a totally alien experience which some have enjoyed, and others have struggled with. And while it has been important for employers to check in and support staff on furlough, it is just as important to ensure a safe, smooth and united return to work.
At SEE EVENTS we’re working hard to bring you a series of virtual and socially distanced team building activities and employee wellbeing workshops to give your teams the boost they need to return to work feeling reunited, re-focused and re-energised.
In the meantime, here are some top tips on how to start looking ahead and preparing for your employees’ return to work:
Communication
It’s important that employers are fully aware of the varying circumstances in which employees may find themselves on their return to the workplace. Some may be bereaved and grieving the loss of a loved one, some staff may struggle with managing kids who still need to be home-schooled and others may find the faster pace of life difficult to adapt to. Your team of staff may return to work in a multitude of different headspaces. Therefore, communication is important now, more than ever. Organising weekly one-to-one check-ins to talk to employees on an individual basis is a constructive way to show that you genuinely care for their wellbeing. It’s also a positive way to remind them of their value at your company, and the ways in which you will continue to help them achieve their career goals, even amidst uncertain times. Organising group and all-staff meetings are also a supportive way in which to keep employees abreast of the company’s future and any changes that may arise – enhancing a sense of unity after an extended time of distorted communication.
Wellbeing
Studies have revealed that one in two people in the UK have reported feeling down, depressed or hopeless about the future due to the COVID-19 crisis and that 41% of the UK’s mental health is at risk. Now, more than ever, it’s important to consider and care for employee wellbeing.
Wellbeing is a fundamental part of our physical and mental health, it enables us to feel happiness, positivity and balance in our busy lives. Helping your employees to make small shifts in their mindsets and build new actions into their day-to-day lives can make finding a healthy work-life-balance easier as they try to adjust to a new norm. Studies have shown that physically and psychologically reconnecting with nature can be beneficial for health and wellbeing, so whether it’s reconnecting with nature on group walks, offering mindfulness sessions or yoga classes in your local park, or organising a Employee Well Being Workshops amidst beautiful landscapes; there are many ways that you can support the mental and physical wellbeing of your employees as they return to work.
Team building
At a time where working from home may become the new norm, reuniting staff who have long been separated is a cause for celebration and allocating time for this is a beneficial way to rebuild company culture and strengthen staff morale. It’s also important to note that when furloughed and working-from-home staff start collaborating again, there’s a chance that there may be some resentment on both sides. The team who continued working throughout may feel resentful of the colleagues who have had months of chilling out or studying at home. Furloughed staff, on the other hand, may have felt the anxiety of job security for months. Team Building Activities are a fun and effective way to reunite and rebuild team relationships so that employees can return to the workplace with a renewed and united level of energy, focus and motivation.
Whether you feel that your team needs fun-filled celebratory entertainment, a team-building and morale-boosting event, or a re-energising employee wellbeing workshop, SEE EVENTS offer a broad range of activities that can help kickstart your team – online or in the heart of the Lake District in accordance with new national safety standards. We recognise that every company is different; that’s why we listen first and then create and breathe life into your event with innovation, design and flair. So get in touch to say hello – we’d love to help!
