Every business has been impacted by the COVID pandemic and the field of Human Resources is no exception. Adapting to social distancing guidelines and safety recommendations have proven difficult for everyone.
In the field of Human Resources, staying connected is of the utmost importance. Executives of the field are finding new and innovative ways to build remote culture with their employees during the COVID pandemic.
From instant messaging to virtual coffee meetings, there are countless ways to stay connected and promote a sense of community during the COVID pandemic.
- Check-Ins
Once or twice a week send an email to all employees, even if it is just to check-in and say “hi”. Remember that these are challenging times for the employees as well, some are trying to balance working from home with their personal life obligations while others may be adjusting to being furloughed.
A frequent connection to the workplace, and a reminder that they are still valued during, will help employees feel more at ease during this time of transition.
This should include all employees. There may be employees within the company who have roles that can’t be done at home or have been furloughed. It is just as important to check in with these team meetings as it is with those who are continuing to work.
It’s also helpful to keep employees updated on the company, not just the changes and updates pertaining to COVID but also how the business is doing and any information that would typically be given in person.
During this time of uncertainty, it is important to be transparent with employees and communicate openly. The check-ins should also include important information and updates regarding any changes in the companies policies or plans to resume operations.
- Virtual Get-Togethers
Social distancing doesn’t have to mean not socializing. Virtual hangouts such as Zoom, Skype, and Microsoft Teams have become a central way for colleagues to come together, professionally, and personally.
Consider organizing casual, virtual hangouts, such as weekly coffee or lunches. These meetings are a good opportunity for employees to reconnect with each other and can help maintain group cohesiveness.
This is especially important if the business is closed during the pandemic. For many employees, the loss of employment combined with social distancing requirements has been isolating, virtual meetings will bring welcome interactions.
Create these get-togethers to mimic casual meetings that take place when it’s business as usual. As much as possible, try to keep up with company traditions, parties, and events.
Consider alternative means of socializing and hosting group meetings where employees can together to talk about non-work related events and topics. This is especially important if this was commonplace in the work environment prior to the pandemic.
- Be Available
Employees are likely to have a lot of questions and concerns about the virus, the company, finances, benefits, and future employment. HR executives should ensure that they are available for these questions and that all employees know how to reach them.
It is also important that employees know who to call for what questions and for support, rather for their jobs or in general. This is true for employees working from home, those furloughed, as well as those who may continue to be on site.
In many cases, managers and supervisors are not working in the same location as their employees and therefore may not be as accessible as they previously were. It is imperative that employees know who to contact, and how, in order to keep the business efficient and connected.
If access to supervisors or managers prior to COVID was limited, or the chain has shortened, it is beneficial to reiterate to employees who to contact and how. Consider non-traditional ways of communicating with employees, to be more accessible.
- Ask For Feedback
The best way to find out how to stay in touch with employees may be to just ask them. As an HR executive, it is important to remember that not all employees will need the same type or frequency of communication during this time.
Find out what is working and what is not, are all employees being included? Does everyone have what they need to work from home? It is important to find out first hand what employees need.
This may be done through email, surveys or virtual meetings with employees. Be sure to take feedback well and act on the suggestions and needs of the staff.
At the beginning of the pandemic, many employers enacted policies and put together procedures hastily and without time to gauge employee reactions or opinions, without very little knowledge of how long such things would be in place.
Check-ins and meetings can be a good time to touch base about these changes as well.
Ask for feedback on current means of communication and how the employees feel they can be best supported and connected within the company.
- Have The Right Tools
Check-ins and virtual meetings are great, but they are contingent on having the right tools and technology to do so.
HR executives need access to the internet, video conferencing platforms, computers, and often cameras, headphones, and microphones, to stay connected with distant employees.
It is also important to make sure that all employees who may need it have the tools and technology to complete their work at home and to connect with co-workers and supervisors.
Collaborative file sharing and instant messaging can also be beneficial in maintaining communication, particularly for group projects.
While there are many low-tech ways of staying in-touch such as email and good old fashioned phone calls, continuing to build an effective team requires technology that aides in open communication.
Wrapping it up
As employers struggle with finding a new normal it is more important than ever to stay in touch and communicate openly with employees.
While social distancing measures and safety guidelines have had an significant impact on businesses, there are still many ways to stay connected with employees and colleagues.
Frequent emails, check-ins, casual virtual meetings, and open communication will go a long way towards ensuring that efficient teams remain intact throughout the pandemic.
HR Executives are paramount in maintaining this bridge of communication between the workplace and employees.
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