People are not racing back to the workplace for a multitude of reasons and it has employers (and experts) perplexed. Whether it’s because workers have started their own businesses or re-trained, whether they have moved to the countryside or don’t have adequate daycare, bosses are having trouble finding enough workers to fill their needs, and in some cases, have to shut down just as things are re-opening. This seems counter-intuitive because as each province returns to relative normalcy after a tough 18 months, you would think there would be thousands of available workers for just about every job. But that’s not the case. Let’s take a look at two of the top reasons why starting with the most obvious.
1. People are afraid
It is hard to put into words how difficult these past 18+ months have been on everyone. Covid is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence that has, at least in the short term, fundamentally changed who we are. As a result, it is not easy for someone who has been entirely or mostly isolated for more than a year, covered in masks and gloves and sanitizer, in fear for their lives, to suddenly rush into the office with a smile – especially if the office is a restaurant or a bar or somewhere else where the public is present. Even if you work in tech or banking or anywhere else, it is still tough to return to “normal” when no one is entirely certain what normal is – and how long it will last.
What employers can do to make people less fearful
There is no one way to entice people back to work. If you’re addressing fear, you have to show potential employees that you understand and that you’ve put in the effort to help alleviate their anxiety. Work with a lawyer to make sure you have gone above and beyond the required workplace safety measures. Instead of an updated employee handbook, make a video. Show people exactly what they can expect when they come in. Show them the workspace, the common areas, etc., and the steps you have taken to protect them. We all need reassurance at this time. Be an employer who understands and acts, we can help.
2. People want better pay, better treatment at work
Another reason why people are not racing back to the office is that they better understand their value and they want better pay, better benefits, and more freedom. If you give your employees more control over their time and their job, this may both alleviate the fear associated with their return to the office and entice new people to join the team.
What employers can do to treat employees better
Well, this is not a tough question. Offer higher salaries. Offer bonuses. Offer more time off with pay, for sick days and personal time. Give your team more flexibility. If employees helped keep your company afloat working from home, they can also move you forward working from home – at least part of the time. Then there is childcare, better insurance, stock options, etc. There are 100 ways to make someone feel valued and heard. Let us help you find the benefits that work for your company and draft employment contracts that reflect your new and improved offering.
The take-away
This pandemic has shaken things up economically and it requires a steady hand and good vision to ensure your business remains viable (and valuable). LegalShield Canada’s affordable monthly plans for businesses are perfect for this kind of situation where you may need a professional to advise you on several different matters, from workplace safety to offering stock options – or any other issue that you face in this unsettled time. That’s what we’re here for. Get in touch.
Articles on the LegalShield.ca website are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice or opinion in any manner. Laws mentioned in the articles vary from province to province. Any links to third-party sites in our articles are for general information purposes only and LegalShield is not affiliated with, nor does it endorse, the content of linked sites. It is always advisable to seek legal counsel – and LegalShield can help.