We all want to do better and to be better in our workplace, and while it’s true that most businesses were simply struggling to survive, we should all be looking towards taking more positive steps forwards this year. As Great Britain finally seems to be turning the corner in the Coronavirus pandemic, there are still going to be a lot of tough times ahead for everyone, and it’s so important to make sure that we are there for the people we work with.
If you’re wondering how you can be a better employer and be the kind of business that people actively want to work for, here are a few ideas to help you get started.
Make Sure That Your Employees Feel Like It’s Safe To Talk
It’s all very well to tell your colleagues that you want them to feel like they can come to you with their problems, it’s quite another to make sure that they actually do. Start by establishing a clear protocol where people can take their issues to, whether it’s as simple as needing to change their working hours to fit around a life commitment or as serious as needing to make a complaint against a member of staff.
Of course, we all hope it will never come to the latter situation, but you need to make sure that people feel like their problems can be heard impartially without worrying about reprisals.
Educate Yourself On How You Can Be Better
There is no shame in admitting that you need a little help when it comes to making sure that your workplace is welcoming and supportive, especially if you’re running a small business and you’re bringing in new employees for the first time. From the rights and regulations surrounding inclusivity and diversity to helping to educate your employees on these issues, there is a lot of ground to cover and any time spent doing your homework is time well spent. If you do want to do some research, check out the site Aspiring To Include which is one of the best for educatinge both employers and employees, from ideas on how to create an inclusive work environment to a guide to understanding unconscious bias.
Understand Your Employees’ Health Needs
The pandemic has already taken a terrible toll on the nation’s mental wellbeing. The chances are that, if you run a business, then you will have had to help an employee or a colleague who is having a hard time with their mental health. One positive to come out of all of this is that everyone now has a clearer understanding of the mental health issues that affect all of us in our day to day lives, but there is always room for improvement when it comes to looking after that of your staff.
Do some research to explore ways in which you can offer support and keep up office morale when none of us are actually working in an office. Make sure that you have the resources in place to cover anyone who needs to take time off. And, above all, maintain open lines of communication. It can be easy for people to stop reaching out in times like this, so let your employees know that you are there for them.
