How to have difficult conversations as staff return to the workplace

As we look to the recovery phase of the current crisis, our focus in still on our people and integrating them successfully back to a new work environment.

A positive return to work is multi-faceted, it requires managers and supervisors from within local governments communicating and collaborating with their employees for a successful return to work.

Communication is key to success and managers have an important role to play in ensuring a positive and successful transition back to the workplace. A safe and supportive workplace will enable employees to make a successful return. A number of factors can make it challenging, so how can we achieve this?

Ask yourself and your organisation:

• Have you adequately consulted with staff about the organisations proposed return to work arrangements?
• Are you understanding and empathetic to the needs of staff?
• How will you manage employees with concerns about returning to work (e.g. health risks)?
• Do you have vulnerable employees?
• How will you know if your staff are ready physically, emotionally and psychologically?
• Did the organisation/manager handle formal directives in an appropriate manner with staff during this time e.g. leave directives and industrial relations issues of performance?

Understanding that each employee is likely to have different circumstances and often fears, you should base conversations on your knowledge of your employee and circumstances. Ask the following to gain an understanding of their expectations about returning to the workplace:

• What does the new workplace look like for you?
• What kind of transitioning arrangements will you require and for how long?
• What has worked well for you during this time and how do you think this might continue in the future?
• Do you have any concerns about returning to the workplace?