Workforce Management in a Time of Crisis: Strategies for Success
Dealing with uncertainties and challenges in workforce management during a crisis is crucial. This guide provides insights on developing a plan, effective employee communications, tips for remote work, and maintaining self-awareness and control in leadership. It emphasizes the importance of having a strategy, giving hope, business continuity planning, employee engagement, remote work best practices, and leadership during trying times.
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Presentation Transcript
Workforce Management in a Time of Crisis WAYNE F. CASCIO, PH.D. DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR OF MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
The Biggest Challenge: Uncertainty Employees want answers to the me questions: How long will this last? What about my job? Will I continue to get paid? Will my benefits continue?
Overall Strategy Have a plan Give people hope
Developing a Plan Business continuity is key: What problems/issues are central to your business strategy? What must you continue to execute well through the crisis? What kind of culture do you need to make the business strategy work? What to do: Involve employees in building a supportive culture Identify deliverables for each department and employee Establish timelines and quality standards for delivery Provide resources to help employees adjust to changes
Employee Communications This is the linchpin of your entire plan HR should have access to all employee contact information Managers should have contact information for each of their direct reports Use multiple channels email, Zoom meetings, Slack messages, phone Tell employees what actions you are taking and what they need to do Recognize employees for particularly effective actions Coach, counsel, or discipline poor performers
Tips on Working Remotely Establish a regular schedule e.g., core hours schedule and take breaks Consider daily teleconference / video calls to hear / see one another and to check in Ask employees: Does your workspace set you up for success? Identify your optimum working style and your best hours Take time for self-care commit to a fitness routine; eat healthy, nutritious meals Know when to log off you don t have to be available 24/7
Model Self-Awareness and Self- Control The longer a crisis continues, the harder it becomes for leaders to stay calm and confident but they need to do that or at least project it Senior management team(s) should meet daily ( virtually during the pandemic) to discuss key issues facing the business Regular communication with employees not only informs them but it also eases their anxieties
Key Responsibilities of HR Professionals Sensitize managers to the types of issues employees are facing Advise them on how to deal with these issues Schedule debriefing sessions to identify and follow-up on issues Refer employees to an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), if necessary Keep senior HR leaders informed of issues as they arise
Make Life A Little Easier The coronavirus pandemic is, perhaps, the most radical and swift change in business in our lifetimes Provide the kind of support that offers peace of mind, for example, Virtual happy hours , virtual talent shows , or video chats where employees can talk about anything. Humor is welcome! Make time to keep things light
Returning to Regular Work Things will not return to normal because your life and others lives have been permanently altered Be visible and compassionate Increase face time with with employees; let them see and hear you Explain how your organization will be even more successful going forward Encourage employees to talk and tell their stories Involve employees in co-creating the future strategy and culture that will work best for your organization
