Staff management skills to use during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Up to 81% of the global workforce (or an estimated 3.3 billion people) have had their jobs partly or fully closed during COVID-19.

Indeed, the latest data from the International Labor Organization (ILO) shows that the pandemic could cost nearly 1.6 billion workers in the informal economy (equivalent to about 40% of the global workforce) their livelihoods. The formal sector, meanwhile, will shed as many as 305 million full-time jobs.

As a result, the majority of employees, including those whose jobs haven’t been affected yet, are feeling anxious and helpless. According to a recent survey by the MIT Sloan Management Review, among other things, the workers worried about their:

• Job security (54%)
• Personal health (38%)
• Childcare/schooling (17%)
• Personal finances (15%)
• Work-life balance (8%)

Professionally and compassionately addressing these fears puts your company in a great position to retain your employees, attract more talent, and preserve your brand identity when the pandemic stabilizes.

On the other hand, companies that fail to protect their employees during the crisis, thus exposing their workers to financial distress and layoffs, risk losing those employees and damaging their brand reputations for good.

Six Staff Management Skills to Expertly Navigate the Pandemic

The following are six staff management skills to help you support your workforce through the pandemic, so you come out on the other side as one happy family.

Create a COVID-19 crisis response plan

The first thing you need is a flexible plan to take you through the pandemic. Make sure to share the plan with the entire workforce. More importantly, form a crisis management team to lead the implementation of the response program. The team should comprise the right people and be responsible for addressing all impacts of the pandemic in the workplace.

Prioritize your employees’ safety

Begin by limiting the on-site team to as few people as possible, providing private space to the workers, and enforcing strict hygiene rules to limit the spread of the virus. For instance, demand that all on-site workers wear masks and observe social distancing. Also, make sure to screen individuals before they enter the premises and advise those with symptoms to stay home (without losing pay).

Provide COVID-19 education to boost awareness

From sharing COVID-19 symptoms to telling them how to prevent the virus, you want your employees armed with all the information they need about the disease. Also, advise them to practice good hygiene, limit meetings/travel, and handle food carefully. You can share this information through videos, infographics, text messages, and blog articles.

Develop employee-support solutions

Your employees are likely stressed and feeling overwhelmed. As a responsible employer, you need to find ways to make their lives easier. Fortunately, there are several ways you can help. For example, have them work on alternate days or, where possible, work from home. Some companies are even doing grocery shopping for their employees. Anything that lessens the employee’s burden is welcome.

The importance of feedback during the crisis

Employers that will benefit the most from this crisis are those that gather feedback from their employees and use it to better deal with and manage the safety and concerns of their workforces. So, ask each worker about their experience, how they feel, and their fears. Then, use this information to improve the work environment.

Recognize and reward their efforts

Finally, responsible employee management also requires that you recognize and show gratitude whenever employees go out of their way to help the company. This will be even more important during the coronavirus crisis. Identify, applause, and reward those who sacrifice to get the company through the pandemic. Even a simple “Thank You” goes a long way.

Want to Learn More Staff Management Skills?

PrideStaff is a premier employment agency in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Our core specialties include administrative & clerical staffing, call center staffing, and employee management services. Contact us today for staff management skills consulting and general employment agency services.