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Advice for managers who have staff returning to work

by | Jul 22, 2020 | News

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Whilst many of us are due to return to work after the COVID-19 outbreak, we are all treading unprecedented times and potentially sensitive conversations. We at Spire HR have put together some tips on how to work safely and securely as well as our best tips and advice for communicating with staff that are returning to work.

Deep clean

Before opening the workplace, you should consider a deep cleaning process for the removal of any unnecessary germs and bacteria that could be harmful to any individual. The latest UK Government advice has made references simply to the “cleaning” of any environment and working areas that may have been contaminated by the Coronavirus.

After a deep clean, it is important to place hand sanitiser stations near and around high-touch surfaces and communal areas to maintain perfect hygiene including:

  • Restrooms
  • Entrances and exits
  • Cafeterias, food courts, and break rooms
  • Meeting rooms
  • Employee desks
  • Transaction counters

Invest in equipment

It is important that employers should provide appropriate technology where possible for staff who are working from home to be able to effectively communicate with clients, management, and other staff members. This is especially important for vulnerable people such as the elderly, pregnant women, and people with health conditions.

Discuss plans with staff

If your staff are preparing to return to work then employers must consult with staff (consider their views where possible, to reach an agreement) as early as possible about when staff are available to return to work.

Employee engagement

Did you know that 85% of employees are not engaged in the workplace? We would highly encourage employee engagement as many staff members will be returning to work after a long break and lack of social interaction. This can include team activities, flexibility, taking breaks, and providing a nice environment.

Seek Advice

If you are still feeling confused about how to handle conversations with your team or seek further guidance, we provide outsourced solutions at Spire HR and are happy to help. Get in touch today for a no-obligation discussion:

T: 01925 626253

E: info@spirehr.co.uk

As we had recently come up against some difficult staffing issues which we had not experienced before, Ellen Parkin at Spire HR was recommended to us by one of our business partners to guide and assist us with the complex HR legalities we needed to adhere to.

Ellen was very efficient and professional and gave us instant confidence that she would be able to competently provide the help we needed. Ellen was readily accessible via email or telephone throughout the whole process and gave us the vital lifeline we needed during a very emotive and stressful time. Spire HR realised that as an SME, we had to balance the commercial viability for HR consultancy with the expertise and guidance we needed and Ellen was open and honest from the outset, providing a cost-effective and professional service. I would therefore have no hesitation in recommending Spire HR to anyone.

 

We are too small to justify a full-time HR employee; yet we cannot afford to ‘get it wrong’ The excellent service offered by Spire HR Solutions is the perfect solution for us

 

AGP have used Spire HR Solutions Limited for numerous matters relating to HR issues for both ourselves and clients of the practice. I have always found them to be extremely knowledgeable and helpful and to be very responsive to our needs.

Spire is now the practice’s first point of contact for any HR issues we encounter and I would certainly recommend them to anyone in need of assistance with any HR matters.

 

Ellen has helped streamline procedures and provide greater controls through her extensive knowledge and professional dedication, which has enabled me to concentrate on my main objective, growing the business.

I would say ‘key’ to her service is the confidence she provides with the HR guidance, I know without doubt that when dealing with my employees I follow the correct procedure and staff feel confident that they have the right HR support. The guidance on our bonus structure and appraisal scheme is one of many examples in which Ellen’s guidance has been invaluable.

I have been pleased with work Ellen has done for us and would not hesitate to recommend her to others. She provides a high quality, professional service and is very responsive to the needs of a small, growing organisation.

 
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