Did you know that a positive work environment leads to better performance from employees? Better performance means a better bottom line for your business. Keeping your team positive and engaged can be challenging even in the best of circumstances. It becomes even more difficult during times of stress and uncertainty. As a leader, it’s your role to calm the nerves of your employees and bring order to the chaos. Thankfully, no matter the situation, there are things you can do to keep the members of your team motivated. Here are 4 tips for keeping your team positive and boosting employee morale in times of turmoil.
Be Transparent
Employees need clarity. Misinformation and gossip is often rampant during times of stress and uncertainty. Don’t get sucked into the panic. Good communication with your employees is important during these times for business success. Make sure that you are arming yourself with reliable, credible information and then sharing that information with your employees. You can keep your employees up to date with developments through chat applications, video calls, emails, newsletters, even social media. Invite feedback from employees and make sure you are listening to their concerns. This gives you a chance to stop any misinformation before it spreads while gaining the trust of your employees. Communicate any steps the company is taking to address the situation as well. Above all, remain calm and lead by example.
Motivate Your Team
Motivating your team during times of crisis can be as simple as providing them with a pleasant place to work. Employees want to work in an environment that is clean, safe and makes them feel good. During emergencies, make sure that employees have the basic amenities they need, things like hand soap, sanitizer, and water. Keep things clean at the office and communicate these efforts as well. Show your team that you trust them. One way to do this is to offer the ability to working from home.
During these times of stress, don’t forget to celebrate work anniversaries and recognize milestones. Create small wins that your team can achieve and then celebrate them. Motivation doesn’t have to come in the form of something extraordinary; the little things really do make a big difference.
Listen To Your Employees
A simple platitude of “my door is always open” won’t do much to mitigate employee fears during times of stress. You need to be more proactive. Anonymous surveys, as well as scheduled group and individual meetings, are prime opportunities to show your employees you are really listening to them.
Your employees might be worried about daycare and school closings and what their options are for childcare. Or maybe your employees are worried about what will happen if they become ill for an extended period of time. Of course, listening is only the first step. To really show that you are addressing their concerns, you need to take action on their feedback. You might be able to reduce penalties against sick leaves, increase flexibility, or host awareness sessions to reduce anxiety. Try to be empathetic, understanding, and flexible as you work with employees through these difficult and unexpected times.
Listening to employees has other advantages, too. When employees are invited to participate in discussions, it gives them the opportunity to feel involved in the solutions, which can help reduce the sense of powerlessness that many of them might be feeling.
Stay Engaged
You’re the leader; all eyes are on you. During times of uncertainty, it’s the leader that is the rock of the business. Too frequently, during times of stress, leaders and managers are only meeting with other leaders, or they disappear behind closed doors. Don’t alienate yourself from your employees or your team. Leading during these times can be difficult, just remember that it’s difficult for your teams as well. Your employees need to see you strong, and that means being visible and staying engaged. With good leadership, you can lead your employees to success.
At Safeguard, we understand employees are the backbone of every company. You can rely on Safeguard to be your partner for all the business solutions you need. Your local advisor can help set up your business and your employees for success. Contact us to get started.
Key Takeaways
- A positive work environment leads to better performance from employees.
- No matter the situation, there are things you can do to keep the members of your team motivated and boost employee morale.
- Provide clear information, motivate your team, listen to your employees, and stay engaged to boost employee morale.
- With good leadership, you can lead your employees to success.