Supporting your staff through Covid-19
As each day brings more news of the snowballing impact of Covid-19, New Zealand businesses are faced with immediate, and long term, uncertainty.
For some businesses it will mean increased demand and production, and for others it will mean a complete loss of income. Even with the Government’s economic support package, employers are under huge pressure to support staff during this unprecedented global event.
In addition to the wage subsidies from Government, we are encouraging employers to consider the following:
1. Communication – it is critical that you maintain open dialogue with your employees during this time, to make sure they understand the impact of Covid-19 on your business and potentially, their jobs. No-one could foresee such an unprecedented global crisis, and nobody knows how long it will take us to get back on track, but what we do know is that the best way through it is to support each other.
2. Health and safety – now, more than ever, it is important that you do everything you can to keep your employees safe and minimise their exposure to Coronavirus, so the spread in New Zealand can be contained and managed. Discuss the latest recommendations from the Ministry of Health and take whatever steps practicable to adapt these in your workplace. This may include measures such as allowing staff to work from home, providing more open work spaces, supplying personal hygiene supplies and protective wear, or implementing remote meetings. For more information on steps you can take, follow this link:
3. Job security – as employers, you have an obligation to support staff as best you can, but this will look different for every business. If you are looking for guidance to navigate this difficult time and provide appropriate support for your staff, we can help. This includes employee support through restructuring, upsizing or downsizing, helping staff to find other employment or retraining and ensuring your staff feel adequately protected and supported during this incredibly challenging time.
Remember that the only way we will get through this is together. If you are looking for support to help you communicate effectively with your staff, or needing help to support staff through redundancies and job seeking, we can help. Contact us for more information.
