In our bi weekly Hampshire and Isle of Wight virtual networking sessions we have a lively mix of networking in breakout rooms, speakers and themed discussions.
In this morning’s half time ‘speaker slot’ we had an informative presentation from Linda Taylor from the Employee Relations Consultancy who shared some excellent advice, tips and practical suggestions on how to navigate the next six months whether or not you have staff.
Linda discussed how the concept of flexible working has been transformed and we now have lots of informal arrangements in place.
Tip 1: Can these arrangements be formalised? Are new contracts needed and have you put in place a Home Working / Hybrid Working Policy?
Tip 2: Have a trial if you possibly can, and put in place a review period in 6 months’ time. What works for your business now may have changed in a few months.
Some people are worried about coming back to a work environment. How is it best to deal with reluctant employees?
Tip 3: Communicate, communicate, communicate…
- Inform everyone in advance of what you have done to make your workplace Covid secure
- Do a video tour of the workplace and share online with your people
- Have an induction process for the first day back – there will be new rules and new processes
- Invite people in for a couple of hours
- Talk to anyone who is very unsure about coming back and find out why that is
- Reassure them as much as you can
Our next session will look at strategies to keep customers coming back, with our half time speaker Jodie Newman from The Business Allotment. You can book here