By Jay Juffre

For some, it is very difficult to imagine a time before COVID-19. Something that can make it easier is to think of specific places or circumstances. For example, think about when we did not all have to wear masks on a plane, being at a packed sporting event or concert, or meeting where socially distancing yourself from others was not top of mind. Sort of like John Lennon’s song Imagine, it’s easy if you try. What was your employee engagement like prior to the pandemic? What events, activities, meetings, or celebrations were a regular part of the routine to ensure your team felt included and appreciated? Once you can envision what it was like in January 2020, compare it to what is going on now. For obvious and important reasons, there was no way top employers could continue certain practices while at the same time keeping their people safe. It is also important to realize that many people who work for your organization now, did not a year and a half ago. Now that the pandemic is slowing and more and more people get vaccinated, what is your leadership team doing to reconnect with employees? Most companies are struggling to find and keep talent and there continues to be less and less loyalty to employers. What is even more concerning is that some are slow to react. If you were to ask, “what is the plan to reconnect with our team?” Would you get that deer in the headlights look in response? Ultimately employers of choice prior to the pandemic may not be the same ones in the months to come. It is a chance for all of us to take things to the next level when it comes to engaging with our teams. Take this opportunity to reconnect as we slowly get back to normal. Your employees and the patients they care for will greatly appreciate it! Be safe everyone.

Jay Juffre is Executive Vice President, ImageFIRST. For more information on ImageFIRST, call 1-800-932-7472 or visit www.imagefirst.com.