The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound effect on the labor market, forcing all industries to rapidly adapt to the changing circumstances. This posed a considerable challenge for both experienced personnel, who had to become familiar with new technologies, and managers, who had to devise strategies to manage a diverse range of employees. IT specialists worked around the clock to develop solutions to the new problems.
The transition to technology that enables remote teams to maintain operations has provided enterprises with a path forward. However, there are still difficulties to be faced in this area. Although companies and their employees are becoming increasingly accustomed to remote work, new recruits are presented with unique challenges.
Recent events have resulted in many people having to transition to remote working with limited preparation, despite their lack of experience in more traditional settings. As an employer, how can you ensure that your new hires are ready to thrive in this highly competitive environment? Here are some ideas for providing your employees with the support they need to succeed.
Comprehend the Natural Difficulties
It is important to recognise that everyone is facing challenges, particularly those who are new to their roles and the current COVID-19 pandemic. You are undoubtedly aware that younger staff members are in the process of adapting to the role, which can be difficult. You may also recall the difficulties you experienced when you first started in your professional role.
When considering the challenges posed by working remotely, it is unsurprising that younger workers may find it difficult to adjust to the current environment, particularly when even experienced employees have experienced difficulty adapting.
It is important to note that there is a lack of direct, face-to-face communication and guidance for new employees. Previously, new hires would receive comprehensive, in-person training; however, now they must manage a variety of challenges without being able to query their trainers directly. Furthermore, they have not had the opportunity to acclimatise to the company culture like the majority of other staff members.
It is essential to be mindful of the various living situations of professionals, particularly those who are under the age of 30, who may be living with their parents or housemates while they establish themselves in their chosen career. Therefore, it is important to consider the circumstances of employees before making any judgments on their performance.
Consider Remote Employees While Developing Your Onboarding Process.
It is essential to ensure that your staff onboarding procedure is up to date and comprehensive. In the current climate, it is essential to take into account the changes in how people operate in a pandemic setting. Taking this logical step will ensure that your business is well-equipped for the current situation.
It is essential to include sections on the use of specific technologies such as videoconferencing and chat platforms, as well as expectations for the frequency of remote meetings, in addition to outlining existing processes. Additionally, rules for implementing privacy and cybersecurity safeguards, as well as details on the IT support staff available to employees, should be included.
Set Goals and Objectives
When recruiting new personnel, it is essential to establish clear and measurable targets and objectives right away. This has always been significant, but it is even more so today due to the increased risk of misunderstanding and the lack of capacity to give direct support to colleagues.
It is essential that new hires are provided with a clearly written summary of expectations and sufficient opportunity to ask questions by telephone or video conference. Verifying understanding should be discussed to ensure that any hesitancy is picked up, as email communication may not convey tone or body language.
Open Lines of Conversation
Companies have long utilised conferencing apps such as Zoom and Slack, but their importance has grown exponentially due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure your staff are comfortable with the new communication methods, it is recommended that you provide training. It is important to note that age does not necessarily equate to tech proficiency.
It may be the case that none of the current solutions are suitable for your needs. Should you require any changes to your current platform or the creation of a brand new one, Works is a reliable supplier who could provide assistance. It is important to gain an understanding of which features your staff would like to have access to, in order to ensure their needs are met. Furthermore, regular feedback from staff members is encouraged in order to continually work on enhancing your communication strategy and the individual platforms.
Maintain Consistent and Frequent Contact
Once a protocol for employee interaction has been established, it is important to follow up with them on a regular basis. A good example of this is a weekly Zoom meeting, where everyone in the office can discuss how they are progressing and share ideas. Scheduling these meetings at set intervals will help provide staff, particularly new hires, with a sense of stability and routine in a potentially uncertain period.
It is important not to overwhelm colleagues with unnecessary updates; Zoom fatigue is a real issue that can cause stress for employees.
Encourage Employee Socialization by Providing Opportunities for Interaction
It is important to remember that networking is not only about professional advancement. It is also about forming relationships and creating a sense of community. In particular, it is important to consider the impact of the pandemic on younger workers who may have had an unusual college experience, such as having to study remotely from home. Therefore, providing an opportunity to get together in a more relaxed, social setting can be beneficial to help foster a sense of connectedness and support.
Holding Zoom happy hours and other virtual bonding events will not only make remote workers feel more connected, but they will also give them an insight into your business culture.
Exhibit Empathy
As managers, it is important to show understanding and compassion towards employees during this difficult time. Both new and experienced staff are facing unprecedented challenges, so it is understandable that they may need time to adjust. It is essential to be patient with new hires, who may take longer than usual to become proficient.
This is an opportunity to show your staff that their opinions are valued and that you are open to collaboration. It is reassuring to see that, despite any uncertainty that may be surrounding the future of the business, you are still keen to bring in new expertise to drive positive change. Although this may be a sudden change, you can make it easier for your team by helping them to adjust and ensuring they have access to the necessary resources to be successful.
