Many Door, Frame, and Hardware distributors had to shift gears during the pandemic. Work from home became the norm across the country. Eighteen months later, employees are just beginning to return to the office, reunite with coworkers, and sit at a desk outside of their home. An issue that people will face, and may be reluctant to admit, is reconnecting and forming relationships with colleagues again. It may feel as though you are starting over at a new job which can feel daunting for many people.
Forbes published an article on strategies for transitioning back to the workplace; a how to plan. The article discusses how the workplace will change once employees return. The article suggests that managers meet with returning employees to walk through changes and explain the way things will look going forward. Preparing a project plan before returning to work will allow for a calming, lower stress environment. People want to know what to expect, being prepared decreases unnecessary negativity and apprehension in the workplace.
HaloRecognition also created a list of ideas for transitioning back to the workplace, stating that companies should have an emotional or safe space for employees to use if needed. An emotional place does not have to be an actual room in an office, it can refer to a specific person or resource to refer to when needed.
Having a dynamic, inclusive workplace is essential for success, but more importantly it is critical for employees to feel comfortable at their job. Whether you are in the CPQ project management door software business, these same challenges exist across all segments of the door industry.
Not only will these ideas make return-to-work life less stressful, it can be a way to improve the camaraderie of your workplace resulting in higher productivity and even profitability. While maybe not overnight change, but if you put in the effort, the changes will ultimately drive results for your door, frame and hardware business.
Lisa Oxman, Co-owner Software for Hardware LLC, is based in Atlanta, GA. You can reach Lisa at Lisa@softwareforhardware.com
