a second office in China and workforce also based in Austria, and managed by leaders in the UK, says it is important that everyone is treated as an individual. “Some countries have dealt with the lockdown better


than others and some have had harsher restrictions imposed than others,” he says. “It is a case of effective dialogue and being prepared that some employees may believe that others are being given an advantage such as more days working from home than other employees in other geographical locations. Weigh up individual needs and expectations but ensure there are protocols that all employees must adhere to.” “While employers may instinctively want to see


their staff back in the office and for work to go 'back to normal' as soon as possible, this is not necessarily the strongest or most sensible approach,” says Chris Biggs, Partner at Theta Global Advisors, a consultancy and accounting disruptor. “Working culture and expectations have changed, and if approached with empathy and flexibility, will result in a far happier, more productive workforce delivering work of a higher standard than before Covid-19.”


HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH EMPLOYEES IN 2021 “It is important to remember that different countries have responded to the pandemic in different ways,” says Paul Holcroft, Managing Director at employment law and HR consultancy, Croner. “While the UK has experienced significantly long


lockdowns, other areas, such as the USA, haven’t been as strictly locked down. How these employees are managed, whether they are working remotely or in a local office, will need to be done with local restrictions in mind. If


“ It is important to remember that different countries have responded to the pandemic in different ways”


PAUL HOLCROFT, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT EMPLOYMENT LAW AND HR CONSULTANCY, CRONER


offices are told to close in one city but can stay open in another, the local rules need to be followed. “As a result, a blanket approach may be challenging


to adopt here, and regular communication must be maintained with staff. In this way, employers can be kept up to date with individual situations and take further action if they need to.” He says lockdowns are tough and can be extremely


difficult for staff, especially if they see colleagues enjoying more freedoms in other countries such as the UK. If the company offers any additional counselling services, such as an Employee Assistance Programme, these should also be clearly offered to staff.


NEW OPPORTUNITIES COME WITH NEW WAYS OF WORKING Not all outcomes from the pandemic have been negative. In some ways, it has increased inclusivity. Chris Shannon, CEO of Fotech, a global technology company, says the lockdowns forced many companies to adapt to entire


11


THINK GLOBAL PEOPLE REMOTE WORKING


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78