18th November 2020 2 MIN READ •Talos Engage •Employer Advice •Talos Attract
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it challenging times for all of us. Some of the hardest hit, however, have been those facing the uncertainty of being placed on furlough leave by their employers.
Now, with the UK entering its third national lockdown, we discuss the importance of supporting your furloughed staff, and how it can be achieved.
Should I contact my furloughed colleagues or employees?
While the rights of furloughed employees mean that they do not have to carry out any of their normal duties, this does not mean that contact should be cut.
The COVID-19 crisis has had an enormous effect on national mental health, making the role of management and HR within a business even more crucial to employees’ wellbeing.
For those on furlough, added worry over the security of their job makes them particularly vulnerable to a decline in mental wellness. Aside from being their colleague or manager, it is more important than ever to reach out to those in our circles on a human level.
Regular check-ins with furlough staff, even outside of a work context, are crucial to making sure your employees feel supported through these challenging times. A simple ‘how are you?’ is an incredibly valuable first step in increasing employee morale.
How can I support my furloughed employees?
If you are concerned about furloughed employees or colleagues, taking a moment to consider even one of the following can help to provide the support they may need.
Keeping in regular contact with furloughed staff
Regular check-ins via video call, text, or even email can all promote a supportive atmosphere for staff left unable to work. While they are not able to fulfil their normal duties, they are still employees of your company, making their wellbeing just as important as working staff. Checking up on any worries felt by employees during these times is a great way to encourage them to open up.
Implementing policy to support employee mental health
By implementing a mental-health at work policy, your employees can recognise that they have the opportunity to reach out if/when they need it. Extending this opportunity directly to furloughed staff can remove some of the sense of isolation often felt by those left unable to work.
Ensuring that furloughed employees know their rights
Ensuring that furloughed employees know where they stand is crucial to maintaining their wellbeing. While on furlough leave, employees are not required to fulfil any of their normal duties, but are still entitled to all of the statutory rights outlined in their contract.
In summary
The COVID-19 crisis has created challenging times for workers, with a large number being placed on furlough leave. It is crucial that employers support furloughed staff during this challenging period in order to maintain their wellbeing. By keeping in regular contact with those out of work, and checking up on their mental health, employers can create a valuable atmosphere of support and stability for those facing uncertain times.
