The COVID-19 pandemic had an enormous impact on the workforce, necessitating rapid adaptation to changing realities across all industries. This presented a significant challenge for both experienced staff, who had to familiarise themselves with new technologies, and management, who had to devise tactics to oversee a diverse workforce. Round-the-clock efforts from IT experts have produced solutions to overcoming these novel hurdles.
The adoption of technologies that facilitate remote work has provided organisations with a way forward during these unprecedented times. Nonetheless, there are still obstacles to overcome. While companies and their staff members have grown more accustomed to working remotely, new hires may encounter different challenges.
In light of recent developments, many individuals have had to shift to remote work settings with insufficient preparation, even if they are inexperienced with these types of environments. As an employer, what can you do to ensure that your new team members have the necessary tools to flourish and be productive in this highly competitive landscape? Here are some suggestions for offering support to your employees to help them succeed.
Understand the Inherent Challenges
It’s crucial to acknowledge that everyone is confronted with difficulties, especially those who are new to their positions amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. You might already be aware that younger employees are currently in the process of adjusting to their roles, which can be challenging. You may also remember the obstacles you faced when you first started out in your professional career.
Given the challenges associated with remote work, it’s understandable that younger employees might face challenges adapting to the current situation, especially when even seasoned workers have encountered hurdles.
It’s worth noting that new employees now lack direct, in-person communication and instruction, which was previously the norm. In the past, new hires would receive extensive hands-on training, but now they must tackle diverse obstacles without the benefit of face-to-face interaction with their mentors. Additionally, unlike most other employees, they haven’t had the chance to familiarise themselves with the company’s work culture.
Being aware of the diverse living arrangements of professionals, especially those who are below 30 years of age and may be residing with their parents or housemates while establishing themselves in their careers, is crucial. Accordingly, it’s vital to take into account the employees’ circumstances before making any assessments about their job performance.
Take into Account Remote Staff Members When Creating Your Onboarding Procedure.
It is crucial to make sure that your employee onboarding process is thorough and up-to-date. In the present circumstances, it is vital to consider the alterations in how people function in a pandemic situation. This sensible approach will guarantee that your business is well-prepared for the current state of affairs.
In addition to outlining existing procedures, it’s critical to incorporate sections on the use of specific technologies like videoconferencing and chat platforms, as well as expectations for the frequency of remote meetings, into your onboarding programme. Furthermore, rules for implementing privacy and cybersecurity measures, as well as information on the available IT support staff for employees, should be provided.
Establish Goals and Targets
It’s crucial to establish precise and quantifiable goals and targets as soon as you start hiring new employees. This has always been crucial, but it’s even more critical today due to the heightened risk of miscommunication and the inability to provide hands-on assistance to coworkers.
It’s vital to provide new hires with a well-written summary of expectations and ample chances to ask questions via phone or video conference. To ensure that any reluctance is identified, validating comprehension should also be addressed, as tone or body language may not be apparent in email communication.
Encourage Communication Channels
Organisations have long been using video conferencing tools like Zoom and team chat platforms such as Slack, but their significance has increased dramatically due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure your workforce is at ease with these novel communication methods, it’s advisable to provide training. It’s essential to remember that technology knowledge doesn’t always correspond with a person’s age.
It’s possible that none of the existing solutions fit your requirements. In such a case, if you need any modifications to your existing platform or the creation of a new one, Works is a trustworthy provider who can offer assistance. It’s crucial to determine which features your staff members would like to have access to, to ensure that their demands are met. Additionally, it’s recommended to seek regular feedback from employees to continue improving your communication strategy and individual platforms.
Ensure Regular and Continuous Contact
Once a procedure for employee engagement has been set up, it’s crucial to follow up with them consistently. A good illustration of this is a weekly Zoom meeting, where everyone in the office can talk about their progress and exchange ideas. Arranging these meetings at regular intervals will assist staff, particularly new employees, in experiencing a sense of stability and routine in a potentially unpredictable time.
Avoid inundating coworkers with unnecessary updates; Zoom fatigue is a genuine concern that can lead to employee stress.
Promote Employee Socialisation by Offering Opportunities for Interaction
Remember that networking isn’t solely about professional progression; it’s also about developing relationships and a sense of community. It’s especially crucial to take into account the effect of the pandemic on younger workers who may have had an atypical university experience, like studying remotely from home. Hence, arranging an opportunity to socialise and unwind in a casual setting can be beneficial in cultivating a sense of togetherness and mutual aid.
Hosting Zoom happy hours and other online bonding events will not only help remote employees feel more linked, but also offer them a glimpse into your organisation’s culture.
Show Empathy
As managers, it’s crucial to demonstrate empathy and compassion towards employees during this challenging period. Both new and seasoned employees are grappling with unprecedented obstacles, so it’s understandable that they may require time to adapt. It’s vital to remain patient with new hires, who may take longer than usual to become skilled.
This presents a chance to demonstrate to your employees that their viewpoints are respected, and that you are open to working together. It’s heartening to note that, notwithstanding any ambiguity regarding the future of the organisation, you are enthusiastic about bringing in fresh expertise to stimulate beneficial transformation. Despite this unexpected change, you can ease the transition for your team by assisting them in adapting and guaranteeing they have the essential resources to succeed.
