As we begin to see the easing of stay-at-home orders and the gradual return to the workplace, the key to success may be the ability for a business to clearly communicate their plans with their employees. An effective return-to-work policy is not just about the precautions it establishes, such as the use of face masks and social distancing. Perhaps more important is the degree to which it convinces individuals to appreciate the reasons for those precautions. The right message delivered the right way will dissuade skeptics from behavior that could endanger them, their colleagues, and society at large.

Credibility

Credibility is the first on the list because, without it, your organization’s entire return-to-work plan is inconsequential. Unfortunately, fractured voices from the world of medicine have contributed to the confusion around Covid-19. Missteps such as contradictory advice from the WHO and discredited research from medical journal Lancet have undermined their credibility. Business leaders may not be infectious diseases experts, but they must retain employees’ trust in their words.

In conveying rules and guidelines, a business leader must make it clear that they are based on the best information currently available. Acknowledge that research is still in its infancy and that you are listening to a range of voices to hone a better policy if and when the need arises. Welcome feedback and be open to suggestions.

Balance

This year has been an exercise in resilience. Many of us are struggling to process the onslaught of distressing news. There is no time like now to detach from the media-driven cycle of shock-value information. Balance business communications with a hopeful vibe, emphasizing medical advances and breakthroughs that have been made.

Another aspect of balance in a return-to-work policy is the manner of interaction. Eschew a top-down communication model and substitute dialogue instead. Use internal surveys and polls to gauge sentiment and inspire new ideas.

Some companies have combined these two aspects by creating news and message boards where employees can share their contributions to the fight. This is a way to share stories of people sewing masks for first responders and essential workers, helping the elderly and the homeless, and similar feel-good tales.

Action

A broad, robust, and practical plan of action is critical to post-lockdown recovery. These following should be included in any return-to-work policy, and the entire document should be made available to everyone in the company well in advance of a return to on-site operations.

  • Who is allowed back? Businesses may stagger schedules to comply with social distancing restrictions. This can mean different working hours or days for different people and teams. More importantly, anyone with Covid-like symptoms or with family members exhibiting them should be prohibited from the premises. Thermal screening at all entrances is essential and must apply to everyone on site, including staff, customers, and delivery persons.
  • Personal Protection. The use of personal protection equipment – such as masks and gloves – may not be essential but it should be encouraged. Hand sanitizer dispensers should be placed at doorways and other high-traffic areas like copy and lunch rooms. Minimize the sharing of stationery and swap printed documents for digital versions where possible. Automatic doors, no-touch dispensers, and pedal-operated trash cans always help.
  • Sanitation. Research has given us conflicting information on how long the virus can survive on surfaces, with figures ranging from hours to days to weeks. All high-touch objects like doorknobs, elevator buttons, and handrails should be sanitized regularly. Ventilation is a simple and economic solution to use alongside sanitation.

The Way Forward

Despite our best efforts, the specter of a new wave of infections still looms. A return-to-work plan should address company policy in case this happens on premises, and it should include:

  • The designated person/team who will take charge
  • Quarantine and isolation
  • Testing for staff
  • Re-sanitization

Remember, any return-to-work policy must comply with federal, state, and local guidelines. There may also be industry-specific protocols to which you are required to adhere. Identify these rules and regulations, and speak to industry and government decision makers to stay in the loop.

Questions? Please contact me today to discuss your organization’s return-to-work policy.