Pandemic tests the relationship between employers and their workers

A family member of an employee holds a sign outside an Amazon center in Romulus, Michigan. Photo courtesy Paul Sancya

While some employers can allow their employees to work from home during the pandemic, others are not so fortunate. It has been a difficult six months for many employees and employers.

While some employers are forced to furlough workers because of revenue loss, employees are forced to figure out how to make ends meet with income loss.

With the lockdowns and quarantines, it is hard to look forward to anything. With extensive stress workers need a company they can depend on. During the pandemic, the employee will either grow closer to their employer or grow away from them.

Sue Dick, the president and CEO of the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, said it is important to value employees during the pandemic.

 She explained that recognizing how challenging COVID-19 has been collectively is important. “Talent is our number one asset; we can’t do what we need to do without professionals as part of our team,” Dick said. “How you build a culture in your business matters during good times and during hardships.”

When an employer shows employees that they are valued, a strong workplace culture is formed. When employees trust their employer, they will do just about anything to assist their employers.

Publix supermarket has been known to be one of the top grocery store chains in terms of customer service and quality of groceries, but it also as one whose employers value their employees. Iman Myles, a native of Tallahassee and a grocery stock clerk at Publix, praised his company for valuing its workers during the pandemic.

“Not only do they vocally say how they value us, but they give us gift cards, have food catered to us and they give us great benefits,” Myles said. “When you work for an employer that cares about you it makes you give the job your all.”

Morgan Cherry, a patient transport at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, elaborated on the value that she feels from her employer and her experience being there during the pandemic.

“In my department I feel like I’m valued for the most part,” Cherry said. “In times where there are scheduling conflicts they have worked with me, and from time to time they leave snacks.”