More than a year in, and it still needs to be addressed. The isolation, anxiety, fear, and depression that the pandemic has caused takes its toll on workers every day. New waves threaten our lives or the lives of those we love. Many of us are grinding our way through remote work, some alone in our homes day in and day out. Needless to say, everyone is worried and wondering when this situation will finally be over.
As a leader in your organization, extending compassion and support is vital to keeping employees motivated. You may not be able to predict what will happen tomorrow, but developing a work environment that puts empathy first will improve morale and reduce stress for everyone, including yourself.
Here are some tips to help you keep morale up during these challenging times:
Initiate strategies to strengthen employee health and wellness. Providing access to mental health resources and counseling can be a great starting point and, if possible, offer company-sponsored medical insurance.
Provide flexible work practices that give employees more room to take care of their personal lives. This can be in the form of reduced working hours, unlimited time off policies, no-meeting days, and more.
Encourage your employees to practice mindfulness during this time. Being mindful helps employees stay grounded in the present moment and build resilience. It also helps them process their emotions better.
Show gratitude by exchanging uplifting appreciation messages with your peers, managers, and employees. Reassure them that they’re doing great and don’t need to stress about productivity.
Take extra care to address any and all employee concerns during these times. Stay connected with them so they are reminded that you are a support resource for them if they need help.
Read more about the tips to improve employee morale during the pandemic in our HR Knowledge Hive.
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