There’s no doubt about it. This is a different time. No one has been through this before.
Even some essential businesses have had to send workers home on a temporary basis. Many companies have had to lay off their entire workforce. Others have followed guidelines to have employees work from home.
It’s important to remember our laid off workers or those working from home. It’s a big change. There are feelings of loneliness, helplessness and uncertainty. But there are things we can do to help our fellow co-workers through this.
What Can I Personally Do To Help?
Make a phone call. Many people prefer texting as communication these days. But sometimes we need to hear a human voice. Take the time to actually talk to them and, more importantly, listen to them. It doesn’t have to be a long call. Offer to set up a day or time to call again. Let them know they can call you too.
FaceTime or Zoom. If voice talk isn’t enough, set up a virtual visual meeting for individual employees or as a group. FaceTime via Apple or a Zoom meeting are popular outlets. Sometimes people need to see other people; even if it is on a screen.
Send a physical note or a card. Who doesn’t like to receive good, old-fashioned snail mail? Pick an upbeat, funny – but appropriate – card to send. Write a personal note about how they are missed at the office or factory.
Keep them up to date. Nothing can get rid of the blues better than feeling like you aren’t alone but that you’re part of a team. Give them updates regarding what is happening at the company. If there’s a tentative schedule for company plans, share it with them. Let them know they are important to your business and that they are missed.
These are different times. Nobody has gone through this before and we are learning more each day about how to help each other. Don’t let out of sight be out of mind with your furloughed or laid off employees.
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