HR leaders are shifting their focus to safely transition workers back into the office right now and in the future as well.

There is no doubt that workplaces will look much different when employees return to the office and companies will need to emphasize the importance of health and physical distancing. This has put a damper on the collaborative, shared workspace trend that preceded the pandemic, so organizations will need to be creative in how to continue nurturing teamwork without risking the safety of employees.

Company leaders should start by creating a well-thought-out plan that clearly communicates changes being implemented to employees. Workers need to have a full understanding about why it is important to maintain cleanliness and distancing protocols in order for the changes to be effective.

Physical health risks are of high priority, but mental health should also be tackled head-on. For many employees, the shift to remote working has led to major burnout, stress, depression, anxiety and isolation. HR leaders should have resources and tools available that allow workers to manage their issues and avoid work-related burnout.

Encouraging communication is vital for a distributed workforce. Using employee surveys is a quick and anonymous way for companies to learn what their workers need, and create an environment that better nurtures the employee experience. Learning about how safe workers feel in redesigned workspaces, what potential issues they have about transitioning back into work, and being honest about workplace communication are just a few things surveys can provide insight on.