Too Scared to Come to Work...

Many businesses have been hard hit by the pandemic and the variety of new rules and restrictions implemented by Local and State governments.  For the minority of businesses that are still operating, the impacts are quite a bit different.  One of the biggest challenges faced by businesses still open and operating is how to operate safely and keep employees coming to work. Luckily, the CDC and State health agencies are providing plenty of guidance on the first topic.  Unfortunately, few are providing any guidance on how to engage with employees when there is fear about coming to work.

Some employees are afraid and they are texting or emailing the manager, "I am not comfortable at work because...".  The "because" might be any number of things:  I can't social distance in my job, we don't have masks or the right PPE, i could get sick, I could get someone else sick, my (spouse, child, family member) is immune compromised.  Whatever the reason, a text message reply is not the right response.  In person discussion is best but given our present circumstances, that may heighten the tensions.  Move the conversation to the phone, Zoom, Skype or some other medium that allows for a more expressive dialogue; compassion and empathy do not work in text or email.

The discussion needs to start with a reminder of the personal connection.  Asking about how the employee is doing, how the family is holding up, reminds both the employee and manager that we are people and we are all sharing in this experience.  Seek to understand what is driving the employee's fear or anxiety.  Did something specific happen at work or at home that prompted the text/email about not coming to work?  Dig a little to find out the root cause of the employee's fear.  Then validate it.  Their fear is real, don't dismiss it.  Once the employee's concerns have been validated, the conversation can turn to the steps that have or can be taken to overcome it.  "We have the PPE the CDC recommends." "We figured out how to keep everyone working and seperated by at least six feet in the office/plant/etc."

Then return to the personal connection.  Reminding the employee that they are in intergral and important part of the team is critical.  Understanding and believeing that the employee is valued can make the difference when trying to help them overcome the concerns.  Finally, be clear and straightforward: "Can we count on you to come it tomorrow?"  Reviewing with the team daily might be necessary to keep everyone working but it may be the difference between staying open and closing forever.  With some effort and some person to person communication, business will continue.

Stay safe and healthy.