Traffic passes the Boeing aeroplane production plant, in Everett, Washington. US manufacturers expanded in March 2021 at the fastest pace in 37 years, a sign of strengthening demand as the pandemic wanes and government emergency aid flows through the economy.—AP
Preparing for the return to workplaces
As more and more people get vaccinated against Covid-19, leaders and employees are starting to look ahead to a potential return to offices. Many organisations are considering a hybrid work model, in which teams come into the office a few days a week or a few key days a month. As a leader, your role is to give your people as much certainty about the future as possible. And while no one really knows what the world will look like six months from now, there are a few steps you can take today to make your people feel supported and safe ahead of an eventual return to the workplace. Firstly, be transparent. Don’t wait to communicate what you’re thinking, even if there’s limited information to share. Secondly, surface concerns early on. To support your people, start by getting a better understanding of where they are. And thirdly, discuss expectations. As where you work becomes less important, when you work will take centre stage.