Engagement is more important than ever
Following the UK heading into Lockdown, more and more organisations have closed their doors and many of us will now be working remotely. And whilst for some the transition may prove seamless, for others it will be stressful. Many will have concerns over how to keep staff motivated and team morale high during these uncertain times, particularly whilst operating remotely. There has never been a more crucial time for engaging with your team, but with a fresh mind-set, this can be easier to achieve.
Support and empathise with your team
Now, more than ever, people need to know you’re in their corner. Listen to their concerns and let them know they’re being heard. Each team member will have a different set of circumstances – some will have children in the household and others may have elderly relatives they are worried about and need to assist. Be flexible around working hours and embrace that kids and pets may become a part of team video calls. Make it clear that you’re all in this together, and more importantly that you’ll see it through together.
Stay open and transparent
Open communication creates trust and in turn cultivates a healthy working environment. It’s an uncertain time and not being transparent about the situation will lead to even more uncertainty and a lack of motivation amongst your team. Be honest about what challenges are ahead and what outcomes there may be. Let your employees have input into how they might be able to help, try asking, ‘what do you think?’.
Foster collaboration
Most people thrive in an environment that allows them to collaborate. This may seem to be particularly difficult in a remote environment, but it can be easily implemented. Have a dedicated online space where people can ask questions - listen and implement suggestions where possible. Switch focus from individual success to team goals. Utilise each individual’s strengths and let them push their own limits. Make sure to include everyone on the big decisions, allowing for input on how things could be done better. The good news is our brains like change. So, what better solution then to set aside some time to think up new ideas, new ways of approaching things, and new ways to drive the organisation forward. Work together to develop creative solutions to solve emerging challenges.
Utilise communication tools and stay social
Virtual communication tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams are ideal for the scenario we’re currently in. Whilst they’re perfect for team and client meetings to discuss work-related matters, they’re also useful for maintaining the social side of work and to minimise feelings of isolation. Share team updates, tips, funny memes and inspiring articles. Implement a daily (or twice daily) coffee break, and on a Friday, if you’d usually go out for drinks, dedicate some time towards the end of the day for a virtual ‘beer o’clock’. This will enable the team to bond and connect in new ways as you get to know each other’s home environments and drink of choice!
Avoid unnecessary meetings
Now you’re not physically in the office, you might feel the need to be consistently busy and meet with everyone in the organisation. Half of these meetings you will realise are not so essential, and maybe for quite some time you have filled your diary up when it has not needed to be. Keep your team motivated by keeping them out of these unnecessary meetings and you might just notice a shift in productivity.
Encourage happiness
Encourage your team to take regular breaks away from their desks, don’t micromanage and encourage them to look after their own well-being, whatever that means to them. Make sure they have the digital tools to do their job to the best of their ability and keep communicating. Above all, be the positive light they need to see – it’s infectious. Happy teams work together for better outcomes.