Like many businesses, I’ve had to close my office due to the COVID-19 crisis. Most of my employees are working from home, and many are caring for young children as well as elderly parents while dealing with the anxiety of how this pandemic will shape their futures. Any advice on how to reduce their anxiety and boost morale during this unprecedented time?
This crisis has not only challenged the workplace, but it also has created havoc with the stock market and the health of individuals throughout the world. Companies have been forced to reframe the way they do business at lightning speed to keep their doors open or, unfortunately, they have shuttered. No one knows how long this pandemic will last and the uncertainty of whether one’s job or, more importantly, their health or family’s health will weather this storm has created a sense of panic. As such, it’s crucial that leaders like yourself remain calm to help your team navigate these treacherous waters. Here are a few suggestions to reduce anxiety and boost morale:
Be intentional about communications. Communicate weekly to update employees about the situation and invite them to engage in the discussion. To prevent the spread of misinformation through rumors and gossip, only share from credible sources like the CDC and WHO. Follow up with necessary emails to ensure clarity and that your team feels management has the situation under control as much as it can.
Use video calls for meetings. Virtual ‘face-to-face’ communications can provide a healthy dose of much-needed socialization. For onsite employees, mitigate concerns by adding more hand sanitizers, disinfectants and Clorox wipes, and supplying face masks.
During weekly meetings, let your team know how much you value their work and thank them for their dedication to the job, especially under such extraordinary conditions.
Continue to educate them about their health care coverage, employee assistance program and the ongoing importance of healthy self-care and staying safe. Host virtual awareness sessions to educate employees on how to reduce anxiety and boost their immune systems with healthy eating.
If an employee is experiencing an illness or a hardship, discuss ways your team can help. Perhaps everyone would be willing to pitch in and get healthy to-go meals from local restaurants/grocers, care packages or thoughtful greeting cards delivered to their colleague to alleviate their situation.
Life still needs to be celebrated. Don’t forget to acknowledge employee birthdays and service anniversaries. Set up a portal for employees to leave messages for one another to congratulate and wish one another well. Finally, before concluding your weekly conference call, ask everyone to share what they’ll be doing to keep their spirits up the rest of the week.
Leaders, more than ever, need to exhibit empathy, understanding and flexibility. These are extraordinary times, and your workers need to feel they can count on you and your leadership. Stay calm, and carry on.
Joan Lee Berkman is a marketing and public relations consultant. If you have a question for Joan, send it to business@townandstyle.com.
