The evolving impact of the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the importance of communication and flexibility in the workplace. As we all try to navigate these difficult times, it is important that organizations show employee appreciation by prioritizing communication and flexibility, writes Erik Fjellborg, CEO and founder of Quinyx.
The coronavirus outbreak has pushed us into a time of uncertainty. Millions of people have lost their jobs and millions more fear they’ll be next. Among all those affected, select industries like the service industry are being hit particularly hard, especially amid mandated restaurant closures and travel bans. As the service industry tries to navigate these difficult times, companies must prioritize supporting their employees above all else.
Not so Simple, but Incredibly Powerful? 24/7 Communication
This pandemic has highlighted the importance of two forms of workplace communication: one-way and two-way. Most desk jobs have a constant flow of communication within their company and with their coworkers, whether it’s through email or chat services like Slack. Alternatively, the deskless workforce typically relies on texting or calling as their primary means of communication because they lack traditional office environments that support standardized communication tools. Now more than ever, as the coronavirus pandemic sparks fear and uncertainty across all workforces, it’s particularly clear how problematic inefficient communication can be.
Our news cycle over the past month has been inundated with rapidly evolving updates on COVID-19. Organizations have had to follow these updates and regulations to ensure they are conducting business by changing guidelines to protect their staff. At the same time, companies have the obligation to inform their workforce about the status of their job and company. Without a sufficient communication system, workers are left uninformed and neglected.
Aside from company updates, a communication system helps companies keep their workforce aware of all resources they are providing. Many companies have stepped up to help their employees through various initiatives, such as extending paid sick leave or developing support hotlines. While these programs intend to help employees seek guidance during this time of crisis, they can’t be fully effective if employees aren’t aware that they exist.
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To create a fully supported work environment, communication needs to extend beyond generalized updates and transition into a broader communication network. According to Quinyx, 52% Opens a new window of deskless workers feel that communicating with employers is either somewhat challenging or very challenging. In a time where the news changes every hour, employees depend on the ability to instantly message their co-workers, whether to coordinate a shift change or share personal updates. This not only helps co-workers stay in touch but maintains the flow of business and company morale.
Within an integrated network of communication, service industry staff can communicate with not only their peers but also their managers and senior staff. Unlike a traditional office, the service industry rarely has collaboration with varying levels of positions. As a result, it is more difficult for an employee in an associate position to develop a relationship with someone more senior. At this time, all staff should have the tools to have their feelings and concerns heard. Supporting two-way communication systems is the most effective way to achieve that quickly.
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Flexibility Is a Right, not Just a Benefit
Another significant way leadership can show employee support and appreciation for the service industry is through supporting workplace flexibility. While many businesses are being forced to make difficult decisions to cut staff at this time, others are navigating how to increase hours for essential front-line workers in hospitals and grocery stores, which are now in more demand than ever. The reality is, many of these workers will have to make sacrifices to support increased demand, but that should not signal businesses to deny those workers of the ability to alter their schedules. In fact, according to QuinyxOpens a new window , 59% of workers believe flexibility is a right, not just a benefit.
Amid all of this concern, office workers have been able to, for the most part, work from home. Most service workers won’t have this luxury and will be tasked with having to work increasingly demanding shifts. Companies have a responsibility to communicate with these workers, hear their concerns, and prioritize their needs. As part of that commitment, they also need to preserve their right to flexibility and the ability to customize their schedules based on their personal needs, regardless of the circumstance.
So many in-demand businesses have found themselves attempting to manage shifts and schedules with outdated workforce management practices, even relying on pen and paper in some cases. Digitizing this process is a small but effective way to show these workers that they’re valued because it streamlines an incredibly tedious task. Especially now, scheduling and communication should be the least of workers’ concerns, and it’s solely up to businesses to ensure this doesn’t add stress to already stressful work environments.
A technology-driven workforce management system enables employees to easily switch shifts or submit sick time through a singular application – simplifying the process for both staff and management. While so many deskless workers continue to operate on the front lines of this crisis, providing resources to help them have ownership over their schedules restores a sense of control when so much else is out of their hands and reinforces the fact that their health is the most important priority.
The development of a communication network, as well as giving workers more power over their schedules, creates a support system. During this time, it’s essential that workers who are risking their well-being feel their dedication reciprocated. Before coronavirus workers felt underappreciated – a recent pollOpens a new window found that 65% of employees do not receive any recognition for good work from their employers. As businesses try to show recognition for their workers, they should focus on what truly matters: communication and flexibility.
How do you think organizations can show employee appreciation to their front-line workers during a pandemic? Let us know on LinkedInOpens a new window , TwitterOpens a new window , or FacebookOpens a new window .