KemLaw

It’s not an exaggeration to say it feels like the COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything.

In so many ways, it has.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the fact that employers have companies to run and employees to manage.

And that has gotten far more difficult.

Challenges include a lack of face-to-face supervision, limited access to information, and distracting home environments.

So what’s a good employer to do?  Here are some tips:

• Set up daily structured check-ins between managers and staff. They can be one-on-one calls or team calls – just keep them regular and predictable.
• Be sure to set up clear work-from-home guidelines, such as emails must be responded to within 24 hours, and no calls between certain hours to make sure teammates are not working around the clock.
• Explain the various ways staff, managers, and teams should communicate with each other. A daily phone call can set up the day.  Emails can then allow for the sharing of work results.  IM can be used for urgent matters.
• Make full use of technology platforms to make remote collaboration more productive. The days of relying on email alone are long gone.  Video conferencing, Google Drive, Microsoft Teams, and other technology options make communicating and the sharing of information fast and efficient.
• Offer encouragement and support. Remember – this moment in history is extremely stressful for your employees.  They are managing many pressures and stresses simultaneously.   Acknowledging the fact that these times are hard – and listening to employee concerns and anxieties will help build esprit de corps and enhance productivity.
• All work and no play can be a drag. Try to leave a little time at the beginning of your daily calls to talk about things other than work.  Doing so will help your staff feel connected.
• Set clear expectations about the work products you expect and when you expect them.
• Finally – accept the fact that you have less control over your workforce in this environment. Focus on goals, not activities.

These challenging times will pass, and by managing your workforce well, you can help make sure your company rebounds quickly when the economy is again open for business.

If you’re an employer and have questions about labor and employment law, including matters related to the COVID-19, consider calling on the attorneys at Kainen, Escalera & McHale in Connecticut.

We do one thing and one thing only – we are an employer defense law firm – in fact, we are one of the largest employer defense law firms in the region.  What’s more, each of our attorneys has over 25 years of experience in employment law and labor law matters and can provide your business with comprehensive legal counsel ranging from assistance with necessary preventive measures to trial advocacy.  Please contact us if we can help you.