How do you help your teams with the stress associated with the return back to the office?


2.4k views6 Comments

GVP in Software, 10,001+ employees
 and  would love your thoughts!
CEO in Software, 11 - 50 employees
The best approach is to ask. Being open with employees that you accept their concerns is the first step.

Asking for ideas on making the office more comfortable.

Giving folks the option to back out even if they’ve already said they will come back to the office.

Offering the services of a therapist

The above and more are all options that are first predicated on the notion that the company isn’t forcing everyone back to the office.
1
Director & Head of Engineering in Software, 51 - 200 employees
By creating a confidence that office is safe place. Also reminding them the good things which were being missed when they are not in office.  
1
Director of The Digital Workplace in Software, 201 - 500 employees
Demonstrate that you've rethought the idea of what an office should be. No one is eager to just jump back into business as usual. If you want people back at the office, give a clear WHY, and demonstrate that you've changed the schedule or infrastructure to match it.
2
Director in Manufacturing, 1,001 - 5,000 employees
Ensure you are sincere. Don’t do a drop in and then cut the discussion short if the person wants to talk more. And certainly don’t promise what you don’t control. I recall one leader who after some layoffs was trying to assure employees the layoffs were done…. Perhaps he thought that, but there were more layoffs and he lost his credibility

If the person wants assurances, then promise what you do control. I will make the time to talk with you about possible solutions. I will make time to brainstorm on X or Y.

I’ve found most people have very good sincerity radar and if what you tell them is unworthy they will know

Support can be as simple as making the time to show you heard them, and will help them with what you do control
2
VP of Global IT and Cybersecurity in Manufacturing, 501 - 1,000 employees
By Communicating what your leadership teams, the business are doing to help individuals and teams.

Provide regular, consistent and open communication flows.

Be prepared, listen carefully to what the teams and individuals are asking for, not what you think they need or what may help them.
1

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