Reopening Multifamily: Lead with Compassion when Returning to Work

Multifamily workplaces around the country are wrestling with the challenges of reopening their offices. According to research by SHRM, 50% of employers plan to return to the workplace by July 15, and 39% will implement a phased return to work strategy.
As multifamily housing operators make their return to work plans, leaders should adopt a people-first mentality and demonstrate compassion for the concerns of their associates. Here are just some of the issues that team members may be worried about:  

Some may be recovering from COVID or have underlying conditions that put them at higher risk

Some may live with someone considered high-risk for infection

Many act as caregivers and may be wrestling with extended closures of schools, camps, daycares, and adult care facilities

Some may rely on public transportation to commute to and from work and fear that option is unsafe or may have limited operating hours

According to Fortune, more than 1/3 of office-going adults are most concerned that “others in the office will behave in a way that puts me in danger”

Many may be experiencing anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress syndrome. According to Harvard Business Review, “Many have suffered profound losses during the pandemic and have not had sufficient opportunity to grieve.”

Resolving the numerous practical challenges of reopening—such as securing adequate supplies of PPE, disinfecting workspaces and amenity areas, and reconfiguring office layouts to accommodate social distancing—while challenging indeed, may be the easiest part about returning to work. Addressing the fears and concerns of team memb……