Returning to the office – how middle managers can help

With high vaccination rates, herd immunity and milder variants, there is talk of the pandemic being declared over by the World Health Organization in 2022 already. In many countries, governments are easing safe-distancing measures and allowing office workers to return to their workplaces

In our previous article, we introduced the topic of returning to the workplace – and why not every employee is thrilled to be heading back.

Productivity, saving time and money, not having to sit through long commutes, and reducing exposure to the Covid-19 virus – these are just some of the reasons why people are experiencing stress and anxiety at the thought of returning to the workplace.

While some businesses have permanently adopted remote working or hybrid systems, many prefer to have their staff onsite – 100% of the time.

Here are a few ways middle managers can enable their employees’ smooth transition back to the office:

1. Speak to your staff to understand their concerns.

The pandemic saw many people diverting their travel money to getting a new pet. Another phenomenon resulting from lockdowns was the emergence of Covid babies (babies born during the height of the Covid-19 period)! Or there was a change in situation with your employees’ parents, or some other personal situation. Don’t assume that everyone was waiting to rush into the office doors to return to work. Be understanding and give your employees the opportunity to speak with you about what had changed for them while they were working from home.

2. Let them trickle in

If it is at all possible, don’t force your employees all in at once. If you can, allow them to start with a 40/60 or 60/40 office-home work mode so that they can ease their way back in. There is a chance that employees may feel the energy and buzz of the workplace, and may find themselves returning to the office more often of their own volition.

3. Get them out for some team fun

If budget permits, get the team out for casual meetups or some after-work team time. In several countries, many employees were forced to work remotely for at least a year. Getting the team together in a relaxed setting will enable them to share stories and enjoy one another’s company.

4. Keep the first few days ‘meeting-lite’.

Now that the team is back together, you may be tempted to bring them into meetings – for brainstorms, updates, and alignment. It’s highly likely that there will be lots of impromptu hellos and chats when employees return to the workplace. Employees who are left without any time to stop and chat with a colleague they’ve not seen in some time will be left feeling worse-off about returning to the office.

5. Planning ahead for a smooth re-entry

Encourage your colleagues to plan ahead for the return to work. By knowing what time they need to wake up, leave home, and other fine details like selecting their clothes for the next day, they won’t be left scrambling like headless chickens.

The Covid-19 pandemic has given middle managers yet another great opportunity to show that they can be caring leaders who are dedicated to ensuring that employees are well-looked after – including how they can return to work in a calm and collected manner.