While it’s great to be back open, some staff may show some negativity. After all, emerging from lockdown is a tentative process and not all your staff are going to be confident about returning to a close-contact environment. Not to worry – we share essential methods to overcome this and spread some #PremierPostivity.
Listen to their concerns
The most likely reason for any negativity is that your staff don’t feel safe. It’s essential you listen to their concerns and pinpoint the problem on a one-to-one basis. You will then be able to address their concerns, helping to not only improve your business, but also make your staff feel valued and safe.
Action measures to help them
Once you’ve highlighted any issues with your staff, you can start to resolve the negativity. Communicate how you’re going to help and what measures you’ll be putting in place to protect them using the government guidelines. It’s important to then mitigate any coronavirus risks that could be worrying your client, such as placing hand sanitiser at each workstation or providing personal protective equipment (PPE).
Promote a positive attitude
Forced change can often bring about negativity, such as the shift from lockdown to reopening. You can cure this spread amongst your team by creating a positive atmosphere. Help your staff focus on the more positive parts of returning to work, such as what new skills they have gained during lockdown or what they would like to focus on now they’re back.
Keep in contact
Regular check-ups with your staff can greatly reduce any negativity. Frequent meetings will keep you in-touch with their progress and pre-empt any returning negative feelings. Through these positive interactions, you can set goals for staff who need it, giving them something to work towards, as well as continuing to ask if you can help them further.
Refer them to resources
Your staff’s negativity may be rooted in the state of their mental health. Whilst some aspects will be out of your field of expertise, it is important to provide the utmost support where possible. For example, Low Ears is an initiative to look after the mental wellbeing of staff therapists, providing a powerful safeguarding tool that gives access to professional services and online resources. Make use of the resources available out there and refer your staff to them where necessary.
With a Premier Software system, you can flexibly manage staff rotas, increase appointment times to ease the pressure on staff as they return to work, and much more! Why not book a free webinar or presentation by calling +44 (0)1543 466580 or visiting www.premiersoftware.uk/book-a-consultation
