With many reporting that lockdown 2.0 feels different from the first, HRM asks HR why that is and how they’re coping.

On August 2nd, Melbourne entered stage 4 restrictions, the rest of the state is under stage 3. Both levels force people to stay home unless leaving the house for essential business. Melbourne has a curfew between 8pm and 5am. 

At the time of writing, Victoria has recorded over 300 new COVID-19 cases. 

Though the numbers are declining, strict isolation rules remain in place. 

Earlier this week, Premier Daniel Andrews refused to say when restrictions on the state would ease, saying there was no magic number for when they could lift restrictions.

When the country entered lockdown earlier this year the messaging from authorities, and private businesses alike was that we are all in this together. But as Victorians re-entered isolation, that feeling was lost.

HRM sought out Victorian-based HR professionals to see how they’re coping this time, and asked, why does lockdown 2.0 feel different and what advice do they have for other HR professionals in the same boat.

n’t an easy solution to helping everyone. But I think in the workplace you need to focus on making sure employees feel like they belong and that there is a sense of empathy from management about what they’re going through.”

parents trying to juggle caring for kids and work. To combat this some employees are working longer hours to make up time and that’s not sustainable.”

Andrews announced restrictions on which children can attend childcare and Peters says that is just adding pressure to parents.