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Are we on the edge of a new tomorrow?
Katy Cracknell • May 7, 2020
Thursday reflections
As the long weekend approaches the majority of the country will be waiting with bated breath for the Governments update on Sunday when we should know a little more about how the lock down restrictions will be eased and what that will mean for businesses.
This week has seen a large focus on future planning and how employers deal with the challenge of employees returning to work
so, as we head towards this weekend’s VE celebrations here are our reflections:
- 2/3 of employers have taken advantage of the Job Retention Scheme and placed employees on furlough leave with a large number utilising the scheme to avoid redundancies. What we don’t yet know is how many of those individuals on Furlough will still be at risk of redundancy when the Furlough scheme ends (or indeed if the furlough scheme will be extended)
- Many businesses have successfully claimed and received funds through the Bounce Back Loan scheme, some receiving funds within 24 hours.
- A leaked version of the draft government guidance which will set out how businesses can safely operate indicated that all workplaces are likely to see changes such as staggered shifts, the implementation of different entry and exit points, specific storage for clothes and bags and the installation of screens to create physical barriers between employees as well as the extensive use of hand sanitiser.
- Employers are starting to consider how they get employees back to work and, as well as considering office set up are carefully planning who returns to work first and ensuring that there is no discrimination at play.
- For some a return to work will be simple and straight forward, for others it will cause anxiety and raise concerns around H&S. In extreme cases some businesses may be faced with employees downright refusing to return to their place of work. A dispute-free return to work will only be possible if employers take the time to understand how people feel about returning to the office, travelling (especially if the commute to work involves using public transport) and balancing this with any carer responsibilities. That’s going to require empathy and outstanding communications from businesses.
- There will be added complications in dealing with grievances and disciplinaries that are linked to H&S. This is because unfair dismissal compensation is available to employees from day 1 of their employment if the dismissal relates to any Health & Safety concern and exerting a statutory right. Businesses must ensure that they are treating employees fairly and do not take any unnecessary risks.
- Employers must now focus on mental health issues in their business as more and more employees begin to report that remote working is having a negative impact on their health. Many reports this week have indicated that stress, burnout, isolation and loneliness is increasing, with employees struggling to juggle things such as carer responsibilities, remote working and anxiety about what the world will look like in the coming weeks.
Who knows what next week will have in store for us all?! So much will be dependent on Sunday’s announcement. Whatever the week looks like for you and your business we’re here to help with all your HR needs so don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Other posts:
Did you know the 4-Day Week campaign kicked off a six-month trial in November 2024?
As our working and home lives continue to become ever more intertwined the blurred boundaries can lead to increased stress for employees, in extreme cases, burnout and a general decrease in employee well-being.
As we approach the end of the year, it's the perfect opportunity to ensure that your employees are making full use of their annual leave entitlements, especially if your company's holiday policy does not allow for unused leave to roll over into the following year.
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