September is just around the corner, and to many, this means back-to-school season. 2021 has been a year of uncertainty as people adjust to the new standards we are all working to mediate. As more schools shift back to in-person and offices open up, here are some things employers should keep in mind.
Don’t Rush
So many employers are focused on getting “back to normal”, but there have been massive shifts in what employers will accommodate and what workers are looking for. Moreover, it’s a candidate market, which means it may be harder to replace and retain employees. Keep in mind that not every professional will be able to immediately snap back to a full five-day 9-5 schedule in the office due to the demands of remote learning for parents. Most schools aren’t rushing “back to normal”, which means your workers may have restricted availability. Many schools K-12 are transitioning back to an in-person plan slowly, with options for both fully remote and hybrid schooling. This places responsibility on parents to oversee online education. It’s also possible your workers want to stay remote due to the high transmission date for this disease, whether it’s to protect unvaccinated children or a high-risk relative.
Create Resources
Parents need options and flexibility. Before, flexibility was a luxury and a privilege. Now, it’s a need. Within your capabilities, find ways to help working parents succeed on the job and stay focused by easing other concerns. For example:
- On-site child care
- Timeclock flexibility – allow your employees to punch in and punch out freely as long as everything gets done
- New scheduling choices – offer 4 ten-hour shifts or a graveyard option
Cultivating Colleagues
Let’s say you don’t have thousands of dollars to spend on new equipment or an on-site daycare. How can you support your employees during the back-to-school transition? Parents need strong working relationships. A strong company culture, as well as relationships with trusted co-workers, are key. When employees have someone to brainstorm with, listen to them vent, and help them on a project, they can feel productive and inspired. If you’re ready to build a stronger team that can support your current employees, contact Job Store Staffing® today. Our experts can help find qualified candidates suited for your operation in a hurry, so contact us today.
