The COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses around the world to close their doors and send employees home to work remotely. Now that some states are reopening, employers face the challenge of getting their employees back to the office safely.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for every company, but there are certain questions all employers should ask their employees before they return to work. By asking these questions, you can ensure that your workplace is safe and that your employees are comfortable with their return.
54 Questions to ask your employees when they return to work:
- How do you feel when you return to the office?
- Are you comfortable with the safety protocol in the office?
- What concerns do you have when you return to work?
- Do you feel comfortable working closely with others?
- Would you prefer to work from home full-time, part-time, or not at all?
- Would you feel more comfortable working in a different office location?
- Do you have concerns about taking public transportation to work?
- Would you be more comfortable working odd hours or weekends to avoid the rush hour of public transportation?
- What kind of support do you need from management to help you feel comfortable returning to work?
- How do you think your team can best support each other during this time?
- What changes would you like to see in the office environment before you return (e.g., more space between desks, and additional hand sanitizing stations)?
- What changes would you want to make to company policies before you return (e.g., more flexibility with sick days)?
- Are there any changes you would want to see in your workplace before you return (e.g., working remotely part of the time)?
- What training do you think you will need to return to work safely (e.g., infection control)?
- What are your thoughts on wearing a face mask at work?
- Would you be willing to wear a face mask at work?
- How do you think we can best communicate with each other when some employees are in the office and others are not?
- What do you think we could do as a company to help ease any anxiety or stress employees feel when returning to work?
- Have you been told by a medical professional that it is safe for you to return to work?
- Do you agree with the increased cleaning and disinfection measures?
- Do you agree with changes in work hours or shifts?
- Do you agree with changes in your work tasks?
- Is there anything else we should know about your plans to return to work?
- What health concerns do you have about returning to work?
- Have you experienced any symptoms of illness?
- Have you had close contact with a person who is ill or has tested positive for a contagious disease?
- What measures do you take to protect yourself from infection?
- What measures do you think we should take as a company to protect our employees from illness?
- Can you go back to work under the current conditions?
- If not, what changes would need to be made to make you feel comfortable coming back?
- Have your childcare arrangements changed since the pandemic began?
- If so, how will this affect your ability to return to work?
- Do you have any caregiving responsibilities for someone who is at high risk for complications from a viral infection?
- If yes, how will this affect your ability to return to work?
- Are you concerned about contracting the virus at work and bringing it home to your family?
- Are you worried about losing your job if you get sick?
- What can we do to help ease your worries and concerns about returning to work during the pandemic?
- Is there anything else I should know about your situation?
- Would you like to talk to a counselor or other support person before deciding about returning to work?
- Would you like to make an appointment to speak with a counselor from our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?
- Have you read our return to work policy?
- Do you have questions about our return to work policy?
- Do you agree to follow our return to work policy?
- Have you traveled outside the country in the last 14 days?
- Do you have any health conditions that put you at increased risk for complications from COVID -19?
- Have you had contact with a person with COVID -19 in the last two weeks?
- Have you had any symptoms of COVID -19, such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath?
- Do you have any other suggestions or comments about returning to work during the COVID -19 pandemic?
- What should you do if you cannot physically distance yourself from others at work?
- How will you know if a confirmed case of COVID -19 has occurred in the workplace?
- What steps are taken if a confirmed case of COVID -19 occurs in the workplace?
- How often are the common areas cleaned and disinfected?
- What do you think of the company’s measures and procedures to prevent the spread of illness?
- Do you have any suggestions on how the company could improve its policies and procedures?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you help someone returning to work?
One way to help someone return to work is to provide clear and concise instructions about what is expected of them. This can help ensure that they are productive as soon as possible. In addition, a flexible schedule or reduced hours during the initial period can ease the transition back to work. Finally, support and encouragement can be helpful to ensure a smooth return.
How do you make sure your employees feel empowered when they return to work?
It can be difficult to feel empowered after a long absence, but there are ways to make employees feel like they are returning to a workplace that values them. One way is to ensure that everyone has access to the same information. This can be done through emails, memos, or other communication channels.
It’s also important to schedule regular meetings with employees to make sure they stay up to date with their work and feel they can ask questions when needed. Finally, managers should provide regular feedback and praise employees for their good work.
What are the benefits of returning to work?
Returning to work after being a stay-at-home has many benefits. For one, you can begin to rebuild your career and income. You also get the satisfaction of doing something meaningful and productive, and you can build new relationships with your colleagues. You can also learn new skills and regain the self-esteem that may have been lost during your time at home. Finally, returning to work can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
Conclusion
Returning employees to the workforce is a complex task that requires careful consideration and planning. By answering these questions, employers can get a better sense of whether their employees are comfortable returning to work and identify potential problem areas. Answering these questions will help ensure a safe and smooth transition back to the office for everyone involved.
