We are in a time of many and frequent changes both for us as private individuals, but also in the working life. Although many companies are currently struggling greatly, there are also many that produce and deliver fully. The authorities impose restrictions while also complying with other requirements and both should be followed up in each workplace. In addition, the individual companies themselves make changes to adapt to the situation. Changes may include new routines related to hygiene and cleaning, access control, home office, absence follow-up, meeting structure and data security. Or it could simply be a total restructuring of production. On top of that, there is uncertainty related to the market, the economy and not least sick leave and staffing. If the pandemic turns out too full in our workplace, how are we going to manage to keep the wheels running? Do we have enough resources that are trained?
Many changes require a lot of businesses. The company is best equipped to handle the situation if it has good control over the organisation’s competence and routines. How should a task be performed, and who is trained in what? It is important to have good and continuously updated overview that is easily accessible to those who need it. With constant changes in routines, it is very important to reach out to the employees in question with the latest version of the routines and get confirmation that everyone has received the latest change.
When a lot of changes happen at the same time, it’s more important than ever to stick to some routines. These can be regular meetings with a fixed agenda. Even if the meetings happen online, the agenda can be similar. It can also be the way to communicate changes. If changes and new routines are communicated orally, via email, notes or otherwise at the same time, it creates uncertainty among employees, and it becomes difficult to keep track. One way to communicate changes may be to revise current procedures and instructions, make sure that everyone always has access to the latest approved version and anyone who needs to know if the change gets automatic notification in the event of changes. This creates confidence both for the individual employees and for the management of the business.