For business owners grappling with how and when to reopen their companies, one thing is apparent: Despite what local and national leaders may say, governments don’t open economies—economies reopen when people feel safe enough to resume their usual activities.
COVID-19 cases and deaths are still on the rise in some areas, including in Baton Rouge, even as states begin to loosen social distancing restrictions. So it’s not surprising that in a recent survey conducted by global human resources consulting firm Mercer of 735 U.S. employers, more than 45% said they are struggling with workers who are reluctant to return to their workplaces due to fear of getting sick, Inc. reports.
The pandemic has created a dilemma no leaders have faced before. Reopening means asking your team to run the risk that they may be exposed to the virus; staying closed longer means you may never have the means to open again.
Peter Newell, a former Army colonel and founder of business consulting and innovation firm BMNT, has some tips for business owners:
• You can’t manage people’s fears, but you can support them by encouraging employees to be honest about what they’re feeling. In return, listen and give them clear, transparent communication about what you know, what you don’t know, and what you’re doing as a business to lower the risks for staff.
• Go deep on what returning to work looks like, with all of its ramifications. The best way to do this is to take the scenarios that put employees at risk and identify ways to mitigate risk. Maybe people work alternating days to minimize exposure in the office, for example.
• Directly address the stress your employees are going through and have frank conversations with them about what they’re doing to find ways to stay fresh.
Read the full story, which gives greater details about Newell’s advice.
