Tuesday 22nd Sep 2020
The near future of work and business is uncertain. COVID-19 is continuing to cause economic troubles, government initiatives are wavering, and many people are still in limbo when it comes to their place of work. As a result, morale amongst employees can be low. However, this doesn’t mean that as a business, you’re powerless to change that. While there is little you can do about the external factors in this time of change, you can certainly make the difference within your own organisation. Let’s take a look at three of the ways in which you can help improve morale amongst your employees.
Be positive about change
Change naturally doesn’t need to be a negative. While it’s inarguable that the challenges we currently face are the result of a globally negative event, and we must recognise the impact this has had, we do have the opportunity to see some positives. Consider how you can reframe some of the outcomes of COVID-19. One of the most significant is likely to be the shift away from 9-5 office work. Whether this is something your organisation has truly embraced, there are of course many benefits, from reducing your office costs, to giving people back some time that they would have usually spent commuting. When it comes to your employees, you should communicate this to avoid taking an overly negative attitude to the situation.
Value employee wellbeing
You have a responsibility to your employees, and their wellbeing should be a priority for you - especially during times like this. It is worth remembering that as an employer, you do have a significant impact on how a person feels. Take the time to check in with those that report to you each week and see how they are doing. Ask if there is anything that you can do to improve things, whether they are working from home or are back at the workplace. And of course, happier employees are also more productive ones, which has the knock-on effect of improving future prospects for both the business and themselves.
Set out a strategy
Setting out a strategy is really important to help people visualise where things are heading. Lots of companies are staying positive, and this genuinely helps future fortunes. Consider what you are doing to navigate this time of change, and where you see this taking you. Have you incorporated any new procedures that will help in the long run? Focus on these. Can you see how things might turn out if you get things right? It is important to make sure you communicate this strategy to everyone in the business. If they feel that they have a goal to work towards, that’s realistic and positive, then morale will improve.