The COVID-19 outbreak has changed the way we live, work, and interact with others. There’s no denying that times are tough, but challenges like this are opportunities for company leadership to step up and boost the morale of their employees. While there’s no set playbook for keeping moods bright, there are easy steps you can take to show leadership, strength, and positivity during these challenging times.
Keep Informed
In these uncertain times, honest leadership is an invaluable asset. Employees are looking to company leaders to share information that both sets realistic expectations and provides hope for the future. To keep employees in the know, company leadership should release regular email updates about how COVID-19 may be impacting work schedules, office locations, and company goals.
While some employees will handle these uncertain times well, others may struggle and reach out for guidance. When this happens, be empathetic and do your best to keep the conversation positive and focused on aspects of life and work that are within the employee’s control. An employee’s mental health is just as important as their physical well-being, so encourage your team to take advantage of telemedicine appointments, EAP programs, national hotline services, or mobile therapy applications that provide the resources and support they need to weather the storm.
Stay Connected
While working from home is an adjustment for all employees, today’s technology allows for increased productivity and connection between teams. Company leaders should take advantage of these tools to stay connected with team members regularly. Weekly Zoom meetings, team-focused Slack channels, and personalized Trello boards allow teams to stay connected and focused even when they’re apart. Leaders can encourage participation with these tools by holding training and information sessions that empower employees to use this technology to their maximum capacity.
Celebrate Success
When it comes to celebrating success, there’s no time like the present, and that sentiment is especially true now that your team is working from home. Take time to plan online events and shout-outs that cheer on team members and put their contributions on full display. Congratulatory emails, slack messages, and social media posts let team members, customers, and partners know that your employees are working hard and cheering each other on during challenging times.
Give Back
Few things in life make us feel better than giving back. The COVID-19 pandemic has touched every part of life, and millions are struggling to cope, which means there is no better time for your company to come together and give back. Encourage your team to flex their philanthropic muscle by collecting gifts, canned foods, or home supplies for those who can’t leave their house. A great example of this comes from our client Experience LLC, who donated their monthly snack box from Snack Nation and raised money in a raffle to give to our local community via Atlanta Food Bank. Giving back helps ease the angst.
Have Fun!
Just because your team is home quarantined doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! Keep moods light and morale high by creating fun initiatives that encourage your employees to stay connected and optimistic while they’re at home. Our client, Experience LLC, is known as one of Atlanta’s coolest companies, and they’ve taken that reputation virtual by hosting virtual happy hours, themed days, and watch parties (raise your hand if you’ve binged Tiger King already!). Your company can add to this list by hosting virtual exercise groups, book clubs, or kid clubs (for those employees who need a few minutes away from the little ones).
Are you looking for HR and recruitment support in these uncertain times? We’re here to help! Contact our team or schedule a call with our Founder, Teresa Murphey, today!
