The return to the office – considerations for companies

With restrictions easing in the UK, we’ve been reflecting on our previous #KaizoLive discussion with Jane Fordham, leading people, culture and inclusion consultant, on what companies should be thinking about when returning to the new office normal. Check out our insights and tips below:

• Keep up to date with government guidance and adjust working practices accordingly to safeguard the health of the workforce
• Provide a clear path to ‘normality’ with key dates in the calendar for employees to look forward to
• People are on different trajectories, so respect the varying perspectives in regards to mental health
• Humans are social animals and certain levels of collaboration and creativity are restricted remotely. Where appropriate, consider opportunities for in-person social contact to benefit employees relationships with one another to ensure the greatest output
• Prioritise training and development, especially for junior members who may have joined the company during the pandemic
• Acknowledge the company’s duty of care in regards to looking after employees and the psychological drain of the past few years and months. Management will be remembered for how it has handled things during this time of crisis and uncertainty
• Listen to your team and collate feedback on how they are feeling and what they would like to see change
• Keep employees involved and informed with consistent internal communication and increased accessibility as we move forward to a hybrid working approach

This #KaizoLive hosted by Steph Macleod, Kaizo Director, and Anita Nahal, Kaizo Associate Director, was filmed in June 2020 and can be viewed here.