Speakers:

• Ms. Lungile Dlamini-Zulu – Learning and Development (L&D) Strategist
• Mrs. Patricia Kerretts-Kemei – Acting Assistant Director of Administration (Communications Authority of Kenya)
• Ms. Dorothy Elangot – Human Resource Manager (Commonwealth Telecommunication Organisation (CTO))

RETURNING TO WORK

Ms. Dorothy Elangot advised managers who were considering a return to the workplace after the COVID-19 short breaks to ensure that the work environment was safe for employees.

Concerning that, she specified the need for organizations to fumigate their workplaces and have regular deep cleaning exercises to maintain good sanitary conditions.  She encouraged organizations to make certain of basic hygiene etiquette among employees by ensuring the constant supply of sanitizer, running water, soap and tissue at vantage points.

Salient among her many points was the fact that a safe work environment influences the mental health of employees and make them feel comfortable working in the office.

SHIFT SYSTEM

She further highlighted the need for regular education and update on every development of the pandemic to make informed decisions.

While recommending that managers implement a shift system to avoid crowding in the office and to maintain social distancing, Ms. Elangot advised that managers revise policies such as the sick leave policy in order to meet current standards, considering the recent development, COVID-19.

EMPLOYEES’ PREFERENCES

Mrs. Patricia Kerretts-Kemei observed that in the wake of COVID-19 some employees felt vulnerable going to work, as they feared the possibility of infection.

She encouraged managers to know their employees’ preferences with regard to physical and remote working in order to deal with them appropriately.

She added that managers should “…provide adequate resources for the employees to enhance their work. Also, determine how to ensure the safety of those who have to be at work and cannot work remotely”.

Though it is crucial that managers run COVID-19 test on employees who were returning to work and regularly take temperature readings of everybody who would have access to the workplace, Mrs. Patricia Kerretts-Kemei entreated managers to subtly report COVID-19 infected persons to the right authority for treatment and never discriminate against them. This, she said would help the organization to nip the spread of the virus in the bud.

BUILD TRUST

With regard to staying focused on achieving organizational goals, Ms. Lungile Dlamini-Zulu said that there should be a mutual relationship and trust between employees and employers.

She said employees must be faithful to their employers by earnestly undertaking their tasks – whether working remotely or in the office.

She charged employers also to prioritise the health and wellbeing of employees adding that employees who felt cared for and appreciated were able to discharge their duties with diligence to optimize productivity.