CIPD Ireland, the organisation representing HR professionals is warning that challenges may arise when employees return to the office in the coming months.
The comments come after the Taoiseach said the Government may signal at the end of this month that some workers can return to their offices by the end of August.
Over the past 16 months, many people have developed new habits and adjusted to new routines and ways of working.
"We return as different people to a different workplace so nervousness must be expected," said Mary Connaughton, Director of CIPD Ireland.
"Combined with the evolving requirements around public health guidance, it’s set to be a daunting experience for workers and leaders," she said.
CIPD Ireland has developed the following checklist to help employers when devising their new protocols for on-site working.
1. Expect anxiety
The process of returning to the workplace will be a concern to some extent for all employees.
Care, kindness and consideration for wellbeing will all be key to a successful return - managers must remember this and be prepared to show patience.
2 Provide induction
The protocols for workspace and equipment usage as well as Covid-19 arrangements will be different.
Prepare and share guidance in advance - videos of any new layouts are very helpful - to familiarise staff with the changes.
Keep Health and Safety concerns at the heart of this process.
3 Encourage collaboration
CIPD Ireland research has shown enforced remote working has taken its toll on teamwork.
When implementing an office re-design, introduce collaboration spaces - for formal and informal gatherings - and build designated time into routines to promote communication and teamwork.
4 Promote equality
Close monitoring and interventions will be needed to deliver fairness and attract and retain minority groups, particularly when designing a hybrid approach.
For roles that need to be onsite, consider how they can benefit too, perhaps with a more flexible approach to working hours.
5 Give hybrid a chance
Manage expectations - we won't get it right first time.
Expect to start with a period of trial and testing before reviewing and trialling again.
Individuals will change their mind, new business needs will continuously emerge.
Remember, hybrid working is becoming central to talent strategy and can give the best of both worlds - it will be worth the effort.
6 Nurture your culture
Bringing people together again around a common mission, purpose and way of working takes effort but getting people back on a common agenda will be critical for the future of the organisation.
Continuous work is needed on upskilling, development and career management to be effective in a remote and blended working world.
