Return to work | How HR managers can support workers returning from furlough

It’s safe to say that coming back to work from several months of furlough is likely to be overwhelming. Even for those who are initially excited to return, the days leading up to their first day back may prompt feelings of anxiousness.

Fortunately, if you’re an HR professional, you’re in the right position to help alleviate feelings of worry and make this transition as successful as possible.

Discuss the transition with their line manager

As their line manager will be the one managing the returning employee’s workload on a daily basis, talk to them about how they can help make the transition as smooth as possible. One of these could be a part-time furlough arrangement. From July, the UK government has announced flexible furlough is possible, with employers given the freedom to bring furloughed workers back on a part-time basis. If feasible for your business, this scheme provides a great opportunity for returning workers to ease back into the eight-hour work day and re-familiarise themselves with the projects and objectives of the team.