It’s a new year, and we’re all feeling a sigh of relief that 2020 is finally in the rearview mirror. However, this doesn’t mean that everything is suddenly back to normal. COVID-19 is still spreading across the US, and various restrictions remain. How can your company acknowledge this while supporting your employees? It’s time to set the tone for the new year, and we have a few ideas on how to welcome employees into 2021 and hopefully back into the office as well.
Show Appreciation & Support
Send an email out that shows appreciation and support for the new year. What did your company collectively learn last year? (Probably a lot!) Communicate this to your employees and start the new year off on a positive note. Most of all– show thanks and understanding that your employees have made it through after such a turbulent year. Make it clear that you are there to help them and listen to their concerns. Demonstrate policies that make it easy for employees to voice their ideas for 2021.
Manage Expectations
Are your employees invited back into the office in 2021? Is this required or just an offering? Provide details so that the employees can manage their expectations for the new year; this can help combat a lot of anxiety. Prepare as much as you can for different ways of communicating the safety protocols. Going back into the office will almost be like the first day of work… as many are not used to the new safety policies. Communicate this effectively in multiple ways to help employees with the transition. Hang signs in the office, send out emails, and hold Zoom meetings, so everyone is on the same page.
Make Coming into the Office Worthwhile
Some employees are going to be concerned about re-entering the office. They are going to scan the situation as ‘is this worth it?’. Make sure that coming into the office provides perks and is worthwhile. What value can you provide to your community? How can coming into the office make their job easier, more fulfilling, and more exciting?
Revisit Wellness Initiatives
Employee wellness will be a top priority in 2021. This includes protecting employees from the pandemic but also acknowledging their mental health and how the pandemic is affecting their personal and professional lives. Remind your employees of their current benefits and services. Encourage time off even if they can’t exactly travel. Consider adding more resources to encourage healthy living. What about a wellness challenge? Workshops? In any given new year, humans are prone to looking at how they can be healthier. Capitalize on this and help your employees incorporate new initiatives into 2021.
After 2020, we’ve all been able to get our priorities a little bit straighter. Human connection is something we all need. We are also more grateful to be employed, and our mental and physical well-being is so important. Going into 2021, it’s crucial for your company to simply acknowledge these things. Show compassion for your employees and understand that we are all navigating a new normal.
Thankfully there is hope in sight, and 2021 is bound to instill more happiness and confidence into our lives. District Offices is here to assist your company’s transition through these unprecedented times, and we look forward to the future ahead.
