How Can Managers Support Employees During This Pandemic?
Many businesses have had to disrupt their ways of working to survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Not much time was made available to support such monumental changes, and many had to improvise as each day went on. Multiple businesses are still in operation, working remotely in order to comply with government regulations and social distancing. There are those essential services still in place that require employees and management to be on-site while taking the most stringent safety and health measures to ensure everyone’s safety.
Regardless of where your business is, this is a tumultuous time for everyone, and the utmost patience needs to be practiced when supporting teams. Here are a few ways that you can support your employees and encourage them to continue to thrive in their roles.
Be Compassionate
This is a difficult time for everyone, and most people are feeling extremely uncertain about what lies ahead. Understand that everyone will be dealing with the pandemic in different ways and that they need your support. Be available to answer questions and assure them that it is business as usual for now, just under different circumstances.
Create New Ways To Connect
If you are not seeing your team in person, you will have had to adopt new methods of connection through platforms such as: Hangouts, Zoom, Teams, Skype or any other video conferencing platforms. Use channels like Slack to manage project discussions and problem-solving. Set up a WhatsApp group for employees to get quick answers to problems they might be facing. Most of all, open the channels of communication so that employees can still feel connected to one another and to you, even if just for day-to-day social connection.
If you are still operating as an essential service, bring your team together regularly for a quick stand-up meeting, remembering social distancing. Let them know that they are doing a great job and that they are appreciated. Give them cues on how they can do things differently for better output and offer them tips on coping with what is going on around them. The feeling of connection goes a long way to instilling hope and positivity in a person and the overarching team.
Remind Each Person Of The Value They Offer
Employees might be concerned about job security at a time like this. Remind each person of the integral part they play in the grander scheme of things and how they contribute to the outputs of the company. Each employee needs to be assured that they matter and that their contribution to the business is valuable. This sense of belonging will allow them to continue to deliver, while also helping them relax in the knowledge that they are doing their best.
Assign Mentors Where Necessary
If you have new employees or junior team members who have not yet learned all the ropes, assign them a mentor to guide them. You might not be able to personally connect and communicate with everyone daily, however, having mentors to support you and your team will alleviate some of the pressure from you and your junior team members. Make sure your mentors have a structured schedule that allows them to check in with the newer team members on a regular basis.
Create A Space Of Mutual Trust
This is especially relevant if your team is working remotely. You, as a manager, need to trust that they are carrying out their roles with efficiency and effectiveness. They need to know that you trust them to continue to deliver, no matter what the circumstances. They also need to know that they can trust you to be there for them when they need guidance, whether it is through video conferencing or over a phone call.
The most important thing to remember at a time like this is that we all deal with things differently and that humans, by nature, need to feel connected to one another. Through trust, patience, and support of one another, this journey can be made a lot easier to navigate.
Provide Practical Guidance On Financial Wellbeing
While employee health is the primary concern during this pandemic, their financial wellbeing is also critically important. Many employees are faced with anxiety and tremendous stress as they worry about their inability to pay mortgages, rent, and other bills. The Government institutions (SARS and UIF) and other financial institutions such as banks and insurance companies have put in place measures to provide some financial relief for employees affected directly or indirectly by COVID-19.
Remind employees that the Employee Wellbeing Programme can provide them with telephonic advice, coaching, and direct referral to financial and legal experts who can help them cope during this uncertain time. Should you as a manager need support, you too can contact the Employee Wellbeing Programme.
We are working together to curb the impact and spread of infection and are here to support you. Please contact us on our crisis support line 0860 111 646 if you need additional information, have any concerns, or have questions.
For more information, visit the government official COVID-19 website: www.sacoronavirus.co.za.
Resource: https://hbr.org/
Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash