The impact of COVID-19 has profoundly changed business was we know it. Not only did companies have to change many of their work practices, but employees have found they have lots more options when it comes to how, when, and where they can get their work done.
Even the term “workplace” has potentially become obsolete. Companies that never thought they could (or should) offer telecommuting opportunities have been forced to do so. Now, the place that employees work has merged with the places that they eat, sleep, exercise, play, and raise their kids and pets.
Organizations that come out of this pandemic successfully are the ones that integrate and master digital work, community, and collaboration. And yes, this does go for manufacturing plants. Workers may still have to show up to run production, but their mindset has probably expanded to adjust and adapt to new ways of using technology and communicating with each other and with their leadership. It’s essential for you to have strategies to help employees deal with fear, frustration, and uncertainty of the new work environment.