Back to Work

10 Solutions That Empower Companies As They Reopen

Kelly releases Redefining Work playbook to help businesses succeed during COVID-19

TROY, Mich., June 30, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global health crisis has forced companies of all sizes to re-examine how they operate, innovate and compete. With some states lifting COVID-19 restrictions while others are pausing their reopening plans, employers face difficult questions on when to open back up, how to protect employees as they return to work, and how to manage their workforce efficiently.

To assist companies, Kelly, a global provider of workforce solutions, has released a Redefining Work playbook. From innovative office space planning to flexible workforce scheduling and remote talent engagement, the playbook offers practical solutions to prepare companies as they navigate the challenges of the "new" workplace.

“Whether you’ve been in business for a short time or for generations, whether you have thousands of workers or just a few, we’re all back at the starting line,” says Debra Thorpe, president of Kelly Professional & Industrial. “Now, every business is a new business, and companies that make smart choices today will thrive in the future.”

Despite U.S. unemployment at 13.3%, many businesses find it difficult returning employees to work and attracting new talent, as workers say they are worried about COVID-19 exposure. Meanwhile, the pandemic has accelerated the need for companies to enhance technologies, safety protocols and recruiting processes.

Kelly is working with thousands of companies to meet these challenges.  It has identified and offers these 10 solutions to empower businesses as they reopen:

1. Implement Safety Tools: temperature screeners, contact tracers and no-touch time clocks help prevent and control the spread of COVID-19.
    
2. Re-think the Workspace: reconfiguring offices and manufacturing lines helps meet required social distancing guidelines.
    
3. Adjust Work Shifts: staggering office staff schedules and adding shifts allows for ample cleaning times while maintaining productivity.
    
4. On- & Off-board Employees Online: interviews, orientations and other HR functions can be managed remotely, reducing risks for everyone involved.
    
5. Engage Your At Home Employees: remote mentoring and performance evaluation processes help employees who work from home stay engaged and motivated.
    
6. Offer Up-/Re-skilling Opportunities: the pandemic has forced many businesses to acquire new skillsets, and talent is scarce; determine if/how to retrain your employees.