Question

The coronavirus is hitting businesses and their employees. Some businesses are still open and millions of employees are working to serve customers. Some of the employees work in their workplaces while some others work from home. Almost all employees worry whether they will lose their jobs or if they will have a pay cut. It is obvious that unemployment will rise because millions of employees will lose their jobs and the remaining employees may have a pay cut (10, 20, 30, 50%) depending on the position in his/her workplace.

Because of the coronavirus, the business environment has started to change. It is becoming a challenging fast-changing environment. Currently, many managers are faced with difficulties. In the near future and in the long run, they will need to deal with important issues.

Lastly, you have to remember that one can easily manage firms during prosperous times but effective managers flourish during difficult times.

Below is a sample list of terms that you can use when answering the questions.

Job security and protection; Employee morale; Employee stress; Anxiety; Employee wellness; Effective decision making; Work performance; Key competencies; Productive employees; Quality of work produced; Work-life balance; Mental health; Employees in a high-risk health category; Illness; Government sector; Health sector; Security forces.

Q1-What should managers do to manage employees and minimize the negative effects of the coronavirus on employees? Discuss the major OB issues faced by managers when dealing with employees who are currently working and the major OB issues that managers need to handle in the near future.

Q2-What would be the possible changes and developments in the workforce and workplace diversity in the near future and in the long run? Discuss.

Q3-How should managers handle an employee that is unable to work due to age or health issues?

Answer 1

1. The best leaders flourish during difficult times. This is the time to prove your leadership.

OB issues in the present scenario -

A) Employees would be concerned about their health.

B) The productivity will reduce due to lack of demand.

C) Lack of transportation and communication.

D) It would be difficult for employees to obey rules and regulationsdur due to lockdown.

OB issues in future -

A) It is pretty obvious that it will take some time for demand to rise again. Till that time revenue generation would be difficult.

B) After things become normal it would be quite difficult to set up communication again.

C) Making employees free from insecurity

2.These changes can certainly take place after the end of pandemic -

A) Work from home culture will rise.

B) Environment friendly practices will take place. Like using non plastic products.

C) Meetings will be conducted more on Skype or similar platforms.

D) Employee health will be given priority.

3. The most important fact to consider is whether the employee temporarily not able to work or permanently.

It would be difficult for any organization to help on a permanent basis. Although companies will certainly provide much medical leaves and work from home facilities from now onwards.

As a manager it would be important to motivate such an employee and stand with him in tough times.

You cannot be a good manager if you make things difficult for your employees.

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