employee motivation upon returning to work

With businesses planning their reopening or returning to trade after closing during the peak of the Covid-19 crisis, they will be calling on employees to return to work who have been stood down while the business has been in hibernation. 

With concern regarding the threat of Coronavirus still at a high, people may feel uncertain returning to the workplace particularly those in customer facing positions.  This in itself could have a negative impact on employee motivation.

Businesses can help employees feel comfortable and confident to return to their workplace therefore, increasing their motivation.  Without their full commitment, the success of the business moving forward could be severely impacted.

Communication
The first is keeping employees informed so they are aware of what is happening within their immediate community or environment and how the business is responding to those factors.  It is vital to avoid leaving employees guessing and hearing important news via word of mouth of other external sources.  By ensuring they are clear of the businesses decisions, expectations and guidelines, they will more likely feel in the loop, included and at ease.

Reassurance
Employees need reassurance their health and safety is a priority. Of course the objective of a business is to make profit however, employees must feel this is not at the expense of their own well-being be it mental or physical.

Action
It is one thing for a business to publicly state “the health and safety of our staff is a priority during this time”, it is completely another however to have protocols and systems in place to ensure this a reality.  The business must show not only to its customers but also their employees, they genuinely have their best interests in mind when it comes to health related matters by following through on their statement with tangible actions.

If communication, reassurance and action is not taken, businesses run the risk of their employees not only lacking confidence but also motivation on their return.  This will most definitely impact productivity but also their personal investment and commitment to their work and the business.
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At a time when uncertainty is prevalent and business is tough, morale and motivation can easily take a hit.  Everything must be done to keep employees as upbeat and engaged as possible.  If they’re not, businesses run the risk of employees returning reluctantly or them not returning at all.