resourcefulhr.com

We lead off by saying that we resolve to make a difference, to help people feel connected to a bigger purpose, to focus on what it takes to move forward, to leave things better than how we found them. The next sections in Our Commitment get a little trickier, because they focus on recommending with confidence and reinforcing what strategic, successful HR looks like, and here we simply have to acknowledge that this is a period of profound transformation, and we don’t have all the answers. We can’t promise best practices or simple solutions tomorrow, but we can promise to be open to new tools and resources, to deepen and draw from our collective experience, to have honest conversations, and to share what we learn for the benefit of all. The work we’re doing may be but a pebble in a pond, but pebbles create ripples, and we’re being intentional about the ripples we want and have the opportunity to make.

The Internet is (understandably) full of tips for working from home these days. For many businesses and employees, WFH is brand-new territory, and let’s face it: We’ve gathered a list of concerns we’ve heard from our clients who are figuring this out, too, along with some ideas to show your team you care (and practice self care). Think of it as an open-ended care package that you can pick from now, or refer to later as issues pop up.

In an Airtasker survey, remote workers typically contributed 1.4 more days of work per month, for a total of 3 more weeks per year! In a Stanford study, remote workers took fewer breaks, used less sick time, and saved their company about $2,000 per employee. Beyond the productivity benefits for companies, working remotely also benefits employees by eliminating the stress, money, and time otherwise required for commuting (not to mention reducing their carbon footprint). I’m a big believer in what the right tools can do for teams, but it’s important to avoid overwhelming the people using those tools (not to mention the person tasked with administering them)!

During the Covid-19 crisis, I’ve had a number of conversations with employees and leaders about increased mental health concerns as they adjust to working and managing remotely, try to work while entertaining and homeschooling kids, worry about safety and financial security, and settle into the reality of physically distancing from loved ones, sometimes within their own homes. Everyone likely needs some kind of support to handle a huge influx of everyday stress, anxiety, worry about health and financial security, disruption, loneliness, and even grief at the sudden loss of everyday joys and anticipated events like vacations and graduations. I’m a firm believer in silver linings, and I believe this current shared experience offers us an opportunity to build better working environments that actively support both business productivity and personal well-being. I’m a firm believer in silver linings, and I believe this current shared experience offers us an opportunity to build better working environments that actively support both business productivity and personal well-being.