After eight weeks in Lock Down the Government have announced an easing of restrictions – how are you feeling about that?

It is undoubtedly true that many have been waiting with bated breath for an easing of the restrictions of lock down – an opportunity to go out more, to see friends (albeit in an open space and still physically distancing), to feel less of a prisoner on our own homes.

However, it is equally true, that many are feeling anxious, worried about a rise in the infamous coronavirus "R" rate and struggling with a sense that everything we had just got used to, is changing again; we had got comfortable with the uncomfortable.

In a discussion with HR colleagues, we talked about Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs; which is a human behaviour model and how this model might help to explain how we are currently reacting.

Wherever you were, from the point of view of your own development, just starting out, a career, home, family, income etc – when faced with a crisis, most of us will revert to the basic human need for safety, security, food and rest. There is also a psychological need for love, relationships and friends and where this isn't available, we feel isolated and lonely.

Many have made great use of social media platforms and been creative with how we meet loved ones, family and friends; sadly for many others, particularly those who are shield alone or without family networks, that deep psychological need for safety and love is being denied.

What does this mean for employers?

As a business owner planning for the re-opening of your business; or an expansion if you have only been able to deliver basic services, how are these basic and psychological needs impacting on your own ability to adapt and plan for the way forward?

Are you feeling excitement and anticipation or are you fearful and anxious? If you are feeling a range of emotions, it is very likely your employees will be too.

A number of employers have been expressing concerns that there is a reluctance amongst staff to return to work; that staff are enjoying being off work. I really would challenge this view; I think we have all realised how much we stuffed into our lives and taking away the pressure to rush around like a mad thing has been a relief. However, from talking to a range of employers and employees, there are a wide variety of issues impacting on employees.

There are two main concerns for staff – the first being that many are still juggling home schooling of children. Unless you are a key worker, you will have been caring and schooling children at home since the beginning of lock down. Even if schools in Devon do return to opening from 1st June, there are only a limited number of age groups returning and therefore many of your staff are very likely to still have caring responsibilities.

Some of your staff will be dealing with health issues either for themselves or others and whilst not shielding will have concerns about how a return to work will impact on their health or the health of others.

Government advice is that if you can, you should continue to work from home; otherwise return to work. For those who can return to work, one of the key factors to deal with as an employer is that you carry out a risk assessment (this should be in writing if you employ over 5 staff). There are a number of templates for this and I would recommend using a reliable sources such as HSE website.

Thinking back to the basic need for safety and security, it will be important for your staff to feel reassured that work is a safe place for them to return to. Understanding how you staff feel about the return to work, and what their concerns are from a safety point of view, will help you to put in place effective control measures to support them.

If you would like more detailed information about Working Well – The Road to Recovery and how you can plan and implement a return to work effectively, please join us for a free one hour webinar on Thursday, 4th June at 12 noon. This webinar is being run in collaboration with colleagues from occupational health, business strategy, ergonomics and HR. Please contact us for more information if you are interested.

As ever, if you need advice and support, please contact Sue at East Devon HR on 07989 237057