Effective ways on how to create a positive environment and stay connected to employees who work-at-home amid the global pandemic, according to a published article.

Changes Brought by the Global Pandemic in the Workforce

The global pandemic has brought many changes today. One of these is putting more or less half of the employees to work at home to reduce the chances of the virus contagion. As most of the countries are now in the stage of reopening the economic activities and planning to reopen the school, many will be working in their homes.

Life will look very different in the coming days due to COVID-19. From the traditional face-to-face meeting, conference, having lunch with co-workers, and more, these activities will not happen maybe a year or more as long as there is no vaccine.

However, the move to reopen the economy amid the global pandemic is of the toughest decisions that the government made. It is a matter of weighing the economy against life because reopening means putting more lives at risk. 

Additionally, working at home is one of the alternatives that the government and private companies are seeing in an attempt to reopen the economy. If work will not resume in the coming days, millions will be forced to poverty even before the year ends. 

Meanwhile, either to workk-at-home or not, the most important thing is to create an environment where everyone has the chance to feel safe and not intimidated, to feel secure and not harmed, and to stay connected with one another. 

In a recently published article, here are some ways on how to have a healthy environment while a person works remotely:

Acknowledge Workforce Diversity

Everyone comes from a different background which means that each and one has a different perspective over a certain subject. This is somehow to cause conflict within the group that is not good for professional development. 

It is important for the employers to acknowledge that each employee is unique and that while others may enjoy working at home, there are others also who don't like it. In these trying times, it is important to look for the well-being of the employees.

Ask Empathy-Building Questions During Meetings

There are employers who are one-sided or insensitive. Even the world is not in a global pandemic, it is important that employers need to listen to how their employees feel. Make them feel part of your family and not making them apart from it. 

Susan Milligan, Patient Experience Director at Ensemble Health Partners, said: "Being sensitive to the needs they have never shared with you is the essence of empathy." Employers do not need to have all the answers, just listen and show your support to them. Simple questions like "How are you?" and "How are you feeling?" will make them feel that care for them. 

Build a Sense of Community

This is what most of the companies failed, a sense of community. Communicate with your people in the most comfortable way. Make sure that you have programs that will help or assist them in these tough times. 

Work is the top priority but to make sure that your employees are productive, have a video message on a regular basis, and have them balance their work and their home responsibilities in the most constructive way. Don't push them too hard.

Be a Safe and a Trusted Resource

David DeSteno, a professor of psychology at Northeastern University, said: "Do something that makes them believe that you are one of them. Even though you are the boss, in the end you're all in this together."

This means that you have to build a strong rapport with employees. Engage with them on a personal level and do not be afraid to show your vulnerability. To relate with your employees and to empathize with them will help strengthen individual ties that construct your team.