What do we do now? Navigating working from home and virtual schooling

By Bethanne McFadden, HR Support Specialist

We have all heard the phrases associated with 2020, “unprecedented times” and “new normal”.  And while these are certainly true, there are several other words that will help employers navigate this Pandemic, with a focus on their business and employee wellbeing.  Those words, Resiliency, Empathy, Flexibility, and Self-Care are the words we focus on at HRBOOST® as we partner with you to build best practices into your business.

This particular blog will focus on the keys to an organization’s success during this period of uncertainty specific to remote working parents and virtual learning, offering actionable items to support them.

Often businesses think of childcare as a parenting issue, however it important to understand the challenges your employees are facing, and be prepared to address what the company can do to assist them, as they juggle the myriad of obstacles currently in front of them.  This understanding and support will allow employees to remain productive and effective members of the team, creating a win-win scenario.

What are some of the issues your employees may be facing?

• Guilt – feelings of inadequacy as both a parent and employee.
• Stigma around effects of Pandemic on their mental health.
• Balance of single family or dual working parent households.

What are some things employees can do to combat the stress of remote learning?

• Create a schedule. Predictability allow parents, caregivers and children control over their day, which in turn can reduce stress and allow everyone to be more productive.
• Designate a Learning Area. This does not have to be a high cost renovation or a perfectly postable Pinterest spot.  Focus on what your child needs to be a successful learner.  It should not be in a play area or filled with distractions.  This should be a protected area where they know they are there to work.
• Make sure to set up special time for homework. This allow children a break and reinforces a schedule.
• Create “do not disturb” times for both parents and students. Protected time is key.
• Consider supplemental resources. Create a family book club. Go on a math walk. Look for ways to integrate learning at home.
• Listen to your children. They may also have anxiety.  Pay attention to what they are saying.
• Lastly, parents must take care of themselves. If you are experiencing signs of stress, (i.e. physical pain, lack of sleep, short-tempered, etc.) you need to focus on your well-being. Self-care is crucial to better deal with stress of children and work.  Make sure to get outside, get enough rest, take breaks. When you take care of yourself you can be more successful in all aspects of your life.

What are some things employers can do to support your employees?

• The key is to be CREATIVE and Flexible
• Look to your community first. Collaborate with organizations already within your network.  Are there Boys and Girls clubs, YMCA, and/or Church organizations that are assisting with daycare, tutoring support, or online activities?
• FREE Resources! Leverage relationships with existing vendors. Many benefit providers are offering free virtual classes.  These benefits are already part of your plan, whether it be a free yoga classes or financial seminars through your 401k broker, an employer can simply create a weekly email update of offerings and availability which may alert an employee to something beneficial.
• There is no road map for this…. encourage employees to develop Employee Resource Groups based on shared circumstances. This will allow employees to meet either in person or virtually to share what is working/not working based on their personal experiences. Allowing employees to connect, creates a safe space to share and recognize they are not alone.
• Be an advocate for CARE. Consider adding an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or Care network to your benefits.  These can be a low-cost way to support employees through confidential counseling or care benefit resources.
• Organization is key! Parents are having considerable stress around managing the demands of home and work. Managers need to work with employees to clearly lay out expectations, allowing flexibility, where possible, and establishing clear schedules to help keep employees focused on deliverables.
• Onsite Opportunities? Consider whether there is physical space at the workplace to create learning pods for children that are conducting school virtually whose parents are onsite essential workers.
• Review existing policies. Is there an opportunity to develop a flex schedule or remote working policy?
• Review training options. Do you offer unconscious bias or sensitivity training?  These may be areas that will allow co-workers to give one another the benefit of the doubt when they are dealing with issues different from their own.
• Add some fun into your company workday. Have you considered hosting a virtual Talent Show including employees and their families?

The key to supporting employees is understanding their needs and what will help them be most successful. It is important to listen to what they need before implementing any programs.  Employers may have the best of intentions, but if they address a problem that none of their employees are experiencing, it will fall flat.  It is important to identify where employees pain points are through employee surveys or one on one meeting with managers.  This will allow the business to create impactful change that will last far beyond this Pandemic. As always, if you ever need a boost, we are a team of Boosters on standby.