Time and diligent social distancing have helped to flatten the curve in some places across the country.
And while the Coronavirus remains a serious threat, some states are beginning to lighten their stay-at-home restrictions. This means, of course, that workplaces will begin to reopen and employees will head back into offices. As we grapple with how to navigate this transition, we’ve outlined what we think you can expect for work-life after quarantine.
Pardon our interruption—this is Career Contessa. Join us for this episode of The Femails where we talk with Stephanie Bertmer, VP of People at H Code, on how to successfully return to work during Coronavirus.
Listen to the full episode over on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. A full transcription of the episode can be found here. Now, back to the article.
Which states are reopening?
As of early May, about half of the states are beginning to lift stay-at-home orders and reopen businesses. Most reopenings are happening slowly and with specific regulations attached. For example, many restaurants and retail shops are required to operate at limited capacity, and most businesses are requiring employees and customers to wear masks
Since states’ statuses change so quickly, The New York Times has published a helpful map that is updated daily with each state’s current information.
As of May 1, 2020, the states that have reopened to some extent are as follows:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Florida
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Maine
- Missouri
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Washington
- Wyoming
How should you respond to your boss or company if you’re not comfortable returning to in-office work?
Since none of us have experienced a global pandemic before, there’s no clear blueprint to look to for guidance. This means that you’ll need to advocate for what feels right for you and your health. If you’re uncomfortable returning to an in-office environment during this time, we recommend that you:
- Start with open communication. Reach out to your manager or HR department and relay your concerns. We’ve all witnessed the devastation caused by this virus, so they will likely allow for some flexibility during the transition. Don’t be scared to speak up—if you are immunocompromised, are caring for someone who is immunocompromised, or are providing child care while schools remain closed, your boss needs to be aware so that they can accommodate your needs.
- Provide data that shows you’ve been working from home with success. If you’ve been consistently responsive and showing quality work, use this to your advantage. Here are some of our tips on how to make your work shine, even while working remotely.
- Present your boss with a general timeline for your transition back to the office. If you already know that you’ll need to provide childcare for the next two months, let her know up front. Set honest expectations so that both of you are on the same page. This resource will help you structure that conversation.
- Know your rights. If you’re unsure what is legally required of you with regard to work during the Coronavirus, check out this guide that answers your most pressing questions.
What will workplaces look like after reopening?
None of us truly know what our lives will look like when things begin to return to a new “normal.” One thing seems certain, though—work will look different for a time.
We asked for your insight on LinkedIn, and you gave us some interesting answers. While this is by no means a comprehensive list, here are a few ways that you — along with some experts we reached out to — expect things to change.
Healthcare
It’s unsurprising that the healthcare industry will continue to face major changes due to this pandemic. Moving forward, these may range from increases in sanitation procedures to more virtual appointments.
McCall Rupp, a practicing dentist, explains that there will be new stringent measures with regard to sanitation. Her practice closed temporarily, save for emergency situations, but is now reopening with limited capacity. Procedures will change, she says: “We’ll wear disposable gowns, N95 masks, and likely require patients to wait in their cars rather than in the waiting room.”
A Nashville-based hospital administrator notes that hospitals have had to completely redesign the way that care is delivered. She thinks there will be a permanent shift in the way patients receive healthcare. “From outpatient virtual visits to inpatient virtual assessments, healthcare systems will continue to find ways to redefine the care delivery model.”
Education
Education will also likely be one of the most-altered industries. The English Department Chair for Wando High School in Charleston, South Carolina, Erin Lowry, expects the next school year to be drastically different.
She believes that “school, “in the traditional sense, will be changed by this pandemic.” Some ways in which she foresees schools accommodating students while adhering to social distancing is through a rotating schedule which would allow a small number of students in the building at one time. She also notes that students will likely eat lunch in classrooms and recess will be staggered throughout the day. “Creating a safe space in which to work and learn is our new reality,” she says.
Food and Beverage
Another anonymous responder who works as a restaurant manager believes that the restaurant scene will be a completely different experience post-COVID. She explains that “Entire operations will change as we focus more on the safety of customers and employees. Restaurants will be slow as a lot of people are still fearful of going out and having someone else handle their food and drinks.” Most responders from the food and beverage industry noted that there will be changes in place for the foreseeable future. These may include requiring employees to wear face masks and gloves at all times, frequent temperature checks throughout shifts, and changes in seating capacity.
Recruitment
Remote work may change the way many recruiters and employers operate. A recruiter from a large firm based in Virginia notes that recruitment practices will most certainly be altered due to Covid-19. “I think a lot of what companies are already doing will stay in place after the pandemic is over. We’ve probably seen the end of onsite interviews except for specific cases. Companies are also much more likely to consider remote working opportunities and flexible work arrangements.”
How do I transition from WFH back to in-office work?
- Begin structuring your WFH days as if you’re at the office. Wake up at your pre-quarantine time and go through your morning routine. If you’ve been staying comfortable in loungewear while working, replace them with work attire. In short, help yourself ease into the way you previously worked.
- Consider easing in slowly (if your employer allows). Alternating in-office and WFH days or returning on a Thursday rather than a Monday might be beneficial as you adjust back to in-office work. Gauge how you feel as you return and stay in close communication with your manager and team.
- Reach out to your clients and/or contacts. Communicate any new workplace regulations, updated hours, or changes that have taken place post-quarantine.
- Give yourself grace. You may be eager to return to the office or totally thriving while working from home. Either way, this transition will likely be challenging since it is unprecedented. Set aside time for yourself each day for something that brings you joy like a safely-distanced walk or reading a good book. Take care of yourself as we navigate this strange time.
How should managers tackle this transition?
- Have patience and flexibility. Your team is likely feeling stressed and anxious, either about coming back into the office or about more general challenges—like financial strain—caused from the Coronavirus. Help your team ease back in with understanding. If you need some tangible ways to help breed optimism, check out this guide.
- Create a thorough plan for the transition. Your employees want to know what to expect for the future. Create a plan—with their input—that outlines how things will likely proceed in both the short and long term. Make this plan available to your team and answer any questions they may have.
- Don’t expect normalcy right away. None of us know if there will be secondary stay-at-home orders announced, so the name of the game is flexibility. Encourage your employees to do what feels right for them as much as possible.
- Set clear expectations when it comes to new guidelines and regulations. Make sure your team is aware of and adheres to safety measures and new rules. These should be clearly and regularly communicated so that everyone stays as safe as possible.
How should employees tackle this transition?
- Don’t rush back if you’re not physically or emotionally ready. As we discussed above, there are various reasons that might make you unable to return to in-office work for the foreseeable future. If this is the case for you, communicate with your manager or HR department to discuss an appropriate plan of action.
- Stay diligent when it comes to new safety procedures. Don’t get lax about suggested hygienic practices. The CDC recommends wearing a mask when you’re in public and keeping a safe distance between yourself and others.
- Communicate clearly and frequently. Make sure you and your manager are in constant communication about your work needs. If you require flexibility during this time, let her know.
It’s been said before—but we truly are all in this together. Rely on your support network and resources like these to help you navigate the transition back into the office.
