The new normal will look nothing like the old normal, at least and until there is a vaccine and COVID-19 is eradicated. Until then, companies must redefine what normal is.
For example, Cushman & Wakefield, in their Six Feet Office Project, are instructing to walk "one way only" — clockwise — throughout the office, to avoid moving past each other and potentially spreading more germs.
The goal of this article (and the next two) is to give you a blueprint to help your team return to work, leveraging strategic communications.
Over the past few weeks, we have seen business in Beijing, Hong Kong, Seoul, Sydney and Taipei, San Antonio, and Georgia return to work and we should continue to watch business like yours in these regions to learn best practices.
While it is important to recognize what we don’t know, here is what we do know ….
Given the shifting workplace situation,
effective workforce communications are more critical than ever.
01. Workplaces can’t yet return to their earlier selves — and may never do so. Returning to work is NOT returning ‘back to normal’ – Businesses must rethink what normal means today and moving forward.
02. Any transition will be slow – Be Patient! Watching business return in other places, we now know that transparency and flexibility are key in returning at some level. This is important because in some of these places we have already seen a second wave. Therefore, keep it is important to keep things as simple and fluid as possible.
After being told to be socially distant for many weeks, we recognize that some people will be apprehensive/fearful of returning to work and being in close proximity to others – Let your staff know that you understand and you will work hard at addressing all of their concerns and ensuring your safety.
03. We have a lot on our minds. Back at work, people will continue to have personal issues pulling on them, such as children not in school or camp, the family who are high-risk, or even mourning the loss of a loved one -- Be sympathetic and understanding, let your staff know that family comes first.
04. Your primary concern should be taking care of people, both their physical workspace and their emotional return.
