Although the transition back into the workplace may seem like culture shock for many, companies must start planning a concrete contingency plan that protects employees, adapts to the new normal and can better support workers and the business in the future.

According to Accenture research, employees want confidence in their employer’s ability to navigate a crisis. That means looking ahead in a proactive way and effectively communicating with staffers.

More specifically, a contingency plan should cover how the company will respond if there is a second wave of the virus, an economic recession, and how employees will be impacted. Communicating all of this via video, even if there is bad news, shows workers that they can trust their employer to keep them up-to-date on any changes that could happen.

For businesses that will open their doors before the coronavirus is eradicated, it is important to lay out how the company will continue operations in a safe way. In fact, it may be wise to continue allowing employees to work from home and rethink how necessary a physical office is.

If not, creating a work environment that emphasizes sanitation and  physical distancing will be vital in making workers feel comfortable and safe. 

Recently, the CDC issued a warning that stress caused by the pandemic could lead more people to develop depression, anxiety and various other mental health issues, so companies need to provide extra support while workers make the difficult transition back into a new normal.