All over the world, stay-at-home orders are lifting and workplaces are reopening.
If you are charged with communicating with employees about returning to the workplace and don’t know where to start, this list is for you.
Must haves
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1. Employee reference guideCreate a one-stop shop where employees can find all important information about returning to the workplace. Topics can include new workplace policies, attendance expectations, what to expect on-site, distance and cleaning requirements, capacity restrictions and available resources.
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2. Message from leadersThis is an ideal time to send a warm, empathetic message from senior leaders letting employees know that sites are reopening and providing high-level information about what to expect. And it’s a great opportunity for leaders to express gratitude to all employees, whether they are returning to the workplace, have been on-site the whole time or will continue to work from home.
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3. Posters/digital signs/floor decalsWhen employees arrive on-site, they need lots of visual cues reminding them where to go, what to do and what is expected. That way, employees will feel comfortable and know how to follow guidelines. For example:
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Nice to have
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1. Employee surveyThe best communication addresses exactly what’s on employees’ minds. Don’t make assumptions about what employees want or fall into the “anecdotal trap.” You know the one…“I heard from one employee that she feels this way, so all employees feel the same way.” Instead, ask them directly through a quick survey.
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2. Virtual meetingsEmployees will have a lot of questions about what to expect when they return to the workplace. Before sites reopen, host a virtual meeting (or series of smaller meetings) with employees and leaders. Share what’s changing, what to expect in workplaces and which new guidelines are in place.
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3. VideoOnce employees are back on-site, continuing to reinforce important messages and actions required will be helpful. A great tool to guide employees? Quick, simple videos focused on one or two key points. These can include:
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