As we enter a post-vaccination stage of the Covid-19 Pandemic, many employers are anticipating — or demanding — a “return to normal” from their employees: normal levels of productivity, in-person work, and compliance with Covid-19 regulations and protocols. What happens when business owners manage essential workers who never had a “break” during Covid?
How do employers deal with conflict and / or employee burnout during this Covid-19 recovery period? In this episode, Nance Schick, Esq., and I will discuss the best practices to maximize communication, deescalate employer/employee conflict, and address workplace challenges in ways that minimize your liability and maximize your employees’ morale. A timely episode for this stage of the workforce!
By Segment
0:43 – 16:43 – The show starts by discussing today’s topic which involves the post-vaccination stage of the Covid-19 pandemic. The special guest named Nance Schick and the host, Eric, will be discussing practices to maximize communication in the workplace along with how to deescalate employer/ employee conflict. Nance has been practicing law for almost 20 years now. She got her interest in law from being in human resources. More often than not, people will choose their career path based on a personal experience which is exactly what occurred in this case. Furthermore, Nance states that many employees and employers find themselves in court because they do not feel heard. Sometimes the human aspect comes into effect and some do not know how to effectively communicate their request.
19:00 – 31:05 – Nance understands the importance of employee and employer relationships. Employers should be asking what employees need. She says that they may need some time off and might be worn down due to what occurred during the pandemic. They should always be aware of the feelings of others because without that, conflict can occur. Also, it is important not to assume certain aspects and emotions about others. Sometimes people might put on their “default personality” which comes out due to stress. Eric stresses how important it is to have employees who have solid morale and are not burnt out.
33:36 – 45:23 – Nance loves how her occupation allows her to collaborate with such a diverse group of people. Today, in the workplace there may be some liability issues that take place. Some employees are vaccinated while others are not. In addition, if someone calls out of work or requests time off for Covid reasons, the employer is entitled to request proof like a positive Covid test. Also they might ask them to make a work schedule while working remotely. It is important for employers and employees to work with each other which will result in a better relationship. If someone does not comprehend what one means, they should communicate that.
47:55 – 57:48 – They both share the same goals of uplifting, educating and improving relationships. Nance believes that everyone can come out of the pandemic better than they went in. Also, one of her main goals is to help settle a conflict before it escalates to the judicial level. One way to do that is to work with that employee to see what they need and if they are able to continue working there or not. At times, employers feel empowered that they are taking action when going to court, however it may not be the best option. After all of the fees that it entails, there may not be much after.
About Employment Law Today
Helping Business With Employment Law Issues.
For many business owners, it can be overwhelming to keep up and comply with the federal and state labor and employment laws that govern how they run their business. With the COVID-19 pandemic, there are new laws and regulations regarding hiring, firing, and workplace practices and protocols — all of which can increase business owners’ anxieties about regaining traction or thriving again. On my weekly show, we will be discussing the most common employment law related questions and challenges that business owners have been facing in these uncertain times.
The show will have three main goals: (1) to inform businesses about employment law updates, (2) to inspire businesses by giving them the tools to move forward, and (3) to demonstrate how some business owners have overcome their employment law problems, walked through the challenges imposed by this pandemic, and have taken steps to regain traction during the reopening phases of this pandemic.
Our guests will include professionals who advise businesses from an H.R., legal, and financial perspective, along with thriving business owners who will share their experiences and insights into running a successful company while complying with labor and employment law mandates during COVID-19.