Over the last year and a half, organisations have had to pivot much of their business to respond to the ongoing pandemic. Many jobs were lost or furloughed and how this was managed by employers has altered the perception of current employees, candidates and consumers alike. 

Companies who did this well, followed four simple rules:

Your employees are people – treat them as such. 

This may sound like an oversimplification, but we all know what it feels like to be left behind from an organisation that you have spent much of your time working at. Employers need to let their humanity guide them: empathy, respect, and compassion. Remember that every business decision you make affects a person’s livelihood, their dependents, and a multitude of other factors. 

Help your employees find their next opportunity

It’s no secret that the pandemic’s toll on the job market made it difficult for many to find their next opportunity. Organisations who had to minimise their workforce and recognised this helped build talent directories, offered employment coaching services and provided other incentives to help their former employees find their next job. This upfront work will pay off in spades when economic activity ramps up and candidates start looking at employers they want to work for – employers who care about their people.  

Provide learning and development opportunities to your employees

In a study we conducted last year, 60% of candidates considered career development a vital benefit when accepting a role. Offering training opportunities to your current and outgoing employees can help them sharpen their skills, pick up new ones and diversify their capabilities for future opportunities within your organisation – or elsewhere. 

Encourage physical and mental wellbeing

Regardless of whether you move entirely to a remote working setting or a hybrid model, the toll work has taken on employees’ physical and mental wellbeing has never been more apparent. Maintaining and actively improving the wellbeing of employees is no longer just a nice-to-have, but a business priority. Ensure your employees have access to self-care benefits, resources and programmes. 

For more tips on how to boost employee engagement and your employer brand concurrently, download our Employer Brand Whitepaper Series now.