Preparing workplaces for the 'new normal' amidst COVID-19 concerns

How to create a safe, welcoming environment for returning employees.

The current situation is fluid, which means any policies and initiatives need to be flexible to adapt to changing needs and priorities. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Companies typically look to their brokers and benefits managers to solve a myriad of workplace problems. As a nation we are now facing one of the greatest challenges most of us can remember–the COVID-19 pandemic. As much as the novel coronavirus has challenged us from a health standpoint, however, we are now at a pivotal point to meet the business challenges of the virus, including reopening our economy by bringing back millions of employees to the workplace.

With COVID-19 still out there and a proven vaccine not yet in sight, the priority must be to create safe workplaces so employees can return confidently and risk-free.

Related: Returning to the workplace: Navigating the legal obstacles

Employees are understandably skeptical and fearful. Some have heightened concerns because of their personal health risk factors. They may be older or struggle with such underlying problems as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and the like. Others may have added burdens because of pre-existing mental health issues which have been exacerbated by feelings of isolation, stress and anxiety brought on by social distancing mandates and the devastating financial consequences of virus-related shutdowns.

Employers and their HR teams need to be realistic with their expectations, as the medical experts have warned that it will take a long time to return to normal, if ever. Only by being proactive and sensitive to employee concerns can employers successfully adapt to the “new normal” and create cultures of certainty, confidence and safety, despite all the turbulence and chaos.

The current situation is fluid, which means any policies and initiatives need to be flexible to adapt to changing needs and priorities. Creating a strong foundation for success, however, starts with the following:

The challenge facing business owners and their HR teams in returning employees to the workplace is unprecedented. Brokers and benefits managers will be called upon like never before to provide practical, insightful solutions. This new, unchartered territory may also require identifying additional outside experts, such as healthcare providers with a track record in improving health outcomes for entire employee populations, to collaborate in providing creative approaches.

Allison Velez (allison.velez@paladinahealth.com) is chief people officer for Paladina Health, one of the country’s largest providers of direct primary care, which partners with employers and unions to provide health care solutions that minimize costs, enhance access to quality care, and improve employee health outcomes. 


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