What HR Should Do In The New Normal

COVID-19 has changed the way companies handle everything, including HR. It seems that we’re moving forward into remote work. In this 'new normal', HR will need to respond dynamically and improve the strategies they apply to the following functions:

 

1. Onboarding & Offboarding

Usually, onboarding is about helping your worker settle into the workplace which includes office tours and introductions, as well as telling them what’s in the pantry. Now that remote work is becoming the new normal, all of these are no longer relevant. 

We need to think through a new set of logistical problems:

• How do you ensure new (or transitioning) remote employees have all the tools they need to work from home? 

• Can you use company swag such as company t-shirts or caps to bring the feeling of company culture to them? 

• How do you address virtual introductions? 

When it comes to offboarding, HR leaders should revisit their company’s offboarding protocol to make sure it supports remote work. 

• If someone is laid off or resigns, how will you recover company-owned equipment? 

• Will exit interviews take place online?

These are what you need to think about early on so you will have enough time to prepare.

 

2. Corporate Wellness

Mental health is starting to become a priority as more people notice its importance. In order to succeed at work, mental and physical health is a must. 

HR managers should prepare to bring their company’s mental health initiatives on par with efforts to support physical health in this new normal. Give your employees access to resources such as virtual therapy, a library of mental health resources, and checking in with employees to ensure their needs are met.

We adapt to social distancing laws by using video conferences and remote work.

3. Peer-to-Peer Relationships

In a physical environment, employees can just hang around at their colleagues’ desk to socialise. But how do you replicate this in a virtual setting?

Remote work means a fusion of home life and work life. Whether it’s dealing with kids or other circumstance, we need to do understand what our employees are dealing with at home. This will make it easier for us to provide the support they need. Understand you need to build trust with employees for them to be comfortable sharing details of their personal lives.

To build these kinds of workplace relationships in the new normal, HR will need to make a concerted effort to virtually build bonds between employees such as virtual team-building activities.

 

4. Corporate Perks

At the office, we spoil our employees with an endless supply of drinks and snacks. All that is gone when the workforce retreats to remote working. 

The future of HR must incorporate perks related to creating a comfortable lifestyle at homes such as streaming subscriptions, meal delivery services, and other at-home perks that make remote work a little more comfortable.

HR can also offer online perks such as e-commerce group purchase discounts on StaffDeals, which partners with merchants to offer exclusive deals for company employees.

 

The new normal has changed us all and it's tough to adapt to it. But, the one thing that we can control is how we respond and our future. Think of it as an opportunity to make your company’s policies more supportive, flexible and human than ever before. Let’s aim for a world that’s better than the one we left behind.

Source: FOND

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