How to Help Employees Feel Safe Coming Back to Work

A year after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, workers throughout California and the rest of the nation are coming back to work.

After relying heavily on remote work policies and reduced work schedules, not everyone is ready to return to work full-time. Everyone assesses the threat of the coronavirus differently. Some workers are still afraid of contracting COVID-19 while others are eager to resume normal work activities.

Employers should recognize the concerns of every employee to maintain a productive workforce and avoid alienating concerned staff. Coming back to work should not be a stressful experience. Use the following five solutions to help your employees feel safer.

Step 1: Thank Employees for Coming Back to Work

Companies should be grateful that employees are willing to return to work during times of uncertainty. Express this gratitude through internal communications. Thank employees for their sacrifices. Employers may thank employees personally or issue a company-wide statement.

You may also express gratitude through additional perks or job benefits. For example, an employer may update the employee cafeteria to provide more space for social distancing while adding new appliances. New job benefits may include additional bonuses or increased pay.

Along with a “thank you” or extra perks, companies should continue to express gratitude by providing a safe, comfortable work environment for their employees. The following steps can help achieve these goals.

Step 2: Allow Employees to Share Concerns

Recognizing the concerns of employees helps them feel safe coming back to work. Maintain an open line of communication to ensure that employees are comfortable addressing any fears or anxieties.

Establish a policy for collecting and reviewing internal communications related to health or safety issues. For example, an employer may set up an email account for receiving coronavirus-related suggestions. Team meetings should also include a discussion of health and safety concerns. Give employees the chance to discuss any procedures that they believe do not adequately protect against the spread of the coronavirus, such as activities that require close interaction with others.

“Recognizing the concerns of employees
helps them feel safe coming back to work.”

Step 3: Maintain Transparent Communications

Letting employees know their rights shows the company is committed to transparency. Ensure that staff understands their rights and the responsibilities of the employer before coming back to work. The Labor Commissioner’s Office in the state of California posts resources related to COVID-19 obligations and recommendations. The state requires employers to provide paid sick leave and cover certain medical expenses for specific scenarios. Employers and employees should review these requirements.

Post any relevant health and safety laws, including existing Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) laws and temporary COVID-19-related laws. Include copies of the laws in internal communications and on posters displayed in break rooms.

Under California’s OSHA (Cal/OSHA) laws, employees are not required to perform work that they believe is unsafe. If they reasonably believe that the work poses an imminent danger, they may request changes to the work activity. If the employer refuses a reasonable safety accommodation, the employee may refuse to do the work.

Along with legal rights, employees should be aware of any HR policies related to health and safety, such as paid time off. The state of California’s guidance for safe reopening includes recommendations for COVID-19 testing, medical checks, and face coverings. Employers may adopt the state’s recommendations and any additional precautions to protect against the coronavirus.

Step 4: Provide Reasonable Accommodations to Address Concerns

After employees share their concerns, accommodate them whenever reasonably possible. Employers already have a duty to provide reasonable accommodations to any disabilities. Extending these policies to address health concerns helps create a safer, more accommodating workplace. Here are a few recommendations for addressing common health and safety concerns:

• Provide employees with disposable masks that meet health standards
• Provide access to hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, and other sanitizing products
• Post guidance or markers for following social distancing guidance
• Install barriers wherever necessary to isolate workers and visitors

Employees may also provide recommendations for creating a safer work environment. As mentioned, employers should listen to feedback and communications from employees and consider their proposals.

Step 5: Use Positivity to Create a Supportive Environment

The stress of the pandemic has led to increased rates of depression and anxiety. A negative workplace can exacerbate these mental health issues. Employers and HR staff can help provide a more supportive environment by avoiding negativity. Use positivity to bring everyone together and develop a more cohesive team.

Encourage supervisors and managers to focus on the strengths of their workers instead of focusing on improving their weaknesses. Use positive reinforcement to help employees build on their strengths and become more productive. Leading with positivity helps boost morale and allows employees to feel more valued. It keeps employees invested in the quality of their work.

These five steps should make coming back to work less stressful for your employees. However, every business has unique needs. Request advice from us for help bringing your workforce back safely. Contact us today for a Free consultation.