Engaging with employees

Performing arts centres bring together many different kinds of professionals in one space, each with distinct working environments and circumstances. The below is a checklist of potential communication elements to consider when venues are preparing to bring employees back into their buildings.

Before the return

• Share plans for phased plans for re-opening with staff and confirm when different departments will be returning if return is staggered by function. Ensure all supervisors and managers are well briefed on plan and can respond to employee questions. 
• Establish a regular communication channel through which you provide information and updates to employees on the return to work and pandemic response of the organization and maintain communications consistency on that channel. 
• Communicate changes to existing workplace policies or new policies put in place. Ensure all supervisors and managers are well briefed on the impact of those policies for their teams. Ensure policies address key areas of concern for employees such as sick leave, health screening protocols, privacy and use of personal health information, undue hardship, etc.
  • See the NAC's COVID-19 Policy for Employees in the Resources section
• Communicate clearly about changes to procedures, access and services in the venue work environment during the pandemic response period. For example:
  • Health screening protocols, including self-screening and any onsite screening
  • Heightened cleaning procedures and information about cleaning agents used
  • Procedures around physical distancing and use of PPE when not possible
  • Changes to working and opening hours
  • Procedures for sharing office space or shared equipment
  • Limited access to entrances, washrooms, parking or public spaces at the venue
  • Changes to onsite food & beverage service (limited, cashless), no access to shared lunchrooms, etc.

On site

• Post self-screening health information in accordance with local public health authority guidelines on entrance doors.
• Post clear wayfinding information if regular access points have been modified.
• Communicate health and safety protocols widely in workspaces in a variety of accessible formats to eliminate barriers to understanding.
• Post visual signage of hand-washing protocols, reminders to maintain physical distance, proper use of PPE, etc. in all pertinent workspaces. Make all protocols available accessible via email or intranet portal to staff and consider developing video and or audio recordings or other accessible formats.
• Develop a strategy to allow employees to regularly provide feedback on their return to work experience during the response period as well as a mechanism for employees to report non-compliance.