HR Troubleshooting for businesses that are re-opening

Earlier this month we witnessed the return of outdoor hospitality, non-essential retail, and other businesses such as gyms and hairdressers. With the speed of the vaccine rollout, we are hopeful that things will continue to get better from here, with more businesses expected to return next month.

For employers, thoughts are turning to a smooth return to work.  If you are getting ready to re-open your business, it’s important to consider the following for a stress-free restart.

1.Managing back-to-work anxiety

If you are keen to get back to business, you will need your team ready and engaged to get stuck in. It’s likely that you will be dealing with a mixed bag of emotions from your employees and a way to manage this is to communicate your COVID Secure risk assessment. You can also provide lateral flow tests and require staff to use these prior to starting their shift.

For those finding it particularly tough, an Employee Assistance Programme can provide confidential counselling.

2. Managing non-compliant employees as you re-open

Maintaining a COVID Secure workplace is a legal requirement.  You’ll need your team onboard with this and so any new procedures, along with the consequences of failure to comply, should be well communicated early on.

Equally, a bitter employee who is not keen about returning to the workplace can spread negativity so seek to resolve the source of their complaints with a private chat.

3. Managing absences during the reopening of your business

You’ve planned rotas, brought back employees from furlough and organised who needs to be in when. If only it were that simple!  Whether it’s sickness absence, self-isolation or a childcare emergency, absences happen, so make sure they are all recorded. Absence management software can be a time saver here.

Consult your absence management policy, which may need updating to consider COVID-related absences.

4. Managing conflict resolution during times of high pressure

From being closed for months to suddenly having queues out the door and a diary full of bookings, this could be a very busy time for some customer-facing businesses. 

Conflict can arise during times of high pressure and employees are going to need reliable reporting lines and supportive management in order to work well. Keep the communication flowing during busy times so that you can catch any issues before they escalate.

Signage and announcements can improve communication and lower the chances of misunderstandings leading to difficult situations.

5. Making sure your HR admin is accurate

Dealing with the day-to-day that arises from people management can take up a lot of your time, leaving the paperwork to pile up. If you have made significant changes to your business, contracts, handbooks and policies may need a review to keep you compliant.

If you’re overloaded with other work, outsourcing this to your local HR Dept could be a good idea. We can help:

Sue Beeby
(HR Dept, Chichester, Arun, Adur and Horsham) at susan.beeby@hrdept.co.uk
01243 214404

Serena May (HR Dept, Eastbourne, Brighton and Hove) at serena.may@hrdept.co.uk
01323 403500