Your employees have made the adjustment to working remotely during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Now that COVID-19 vaccines are readily available, your business wants its workers to go back to the office. The only problem: your employees want to continue to work remotely.
If your business is dealing with the aforementioned issue, you are not alone. Research indicates most employees would prefer to work at home full time if given this option. However, with the right approach, you can find a workable solution that meets the needs of your company and its staff.
How to Respond If Your Employees Don’t Want to Go Back to the Office:
1. Address Your Employees’ COVID-19 Concerns and Questions
Approximately 370 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in the United States as of Aug. 30, 2021. But, the rise of COVID-19 variants has raised concerns and questions about when the pandemic will end. It has also forced many businesses to rethink their approach to support employees who don’t want to return to the office.
Ultimately, it helps to create an open dialogue with your workforce. Let your employees know what COVID-19 safety protocols are in place across your business. And, encourage workers to ask questions and share their concerns about these protocols.
2. Let Your Employees Transition Back to Working in the Office
It may be tempting to require all workers to return to the office right away. Yet, doing so can do more harm than good. Because, if workers are worried about going back to the office, they should not be forced to do so. Otherwise, you risk alienating these employees.
Rather than require workers to spend full workdays in the office, let them transition back to the office at their own pace. Provide employees with the flexibility to select days and times when they work in the office. Gradually, your workers can get accustomed to working full time in the office once again.
3. Make Work-from-Home a Permanent Option for Your Employees
If you find your employees are thriving when they work remotely, make work-from-home (WFH) a permanent option. A remote team can deliver the same results as an in-office one. Plus, letting your employees work from home can help your business reduce its office expenses. It can even help your company attract top talent going forward.
Before you make WFH permanent, establish metrics to track your remote workers’ performance. Also, provide your employees with the technologies they need to keep in contact with one another remotely. Finally, verify that your remote workers receive comprehensive support now and in the future.
The Bottom Line on What to Do If Your Employees Don’t Want to Return to the Office
Your business should do everything in its power to keep your employees happy. Thus, if your workers are reluctant to return to the office, collaborate with them. From here, you and your employees can find common ground and work together to identify the best solution for both parties.
Of course, if you are interested in hiring in-office or remote employees, Marquee Staffing can help. We are a professional staffing agency that can connect you with top talent at your convenience. For more information about our professional staffing solutions, please contact us today.