Boosting staff morale in tough times

COVID-19 has brought about the most uncertain times that most companies - and employees - have ever faced. Feelings of doubt and fears of job losses are now a part of daily life for employees in every field. In these difficult times, it's up to employers to create positive working environments. By showing empathy and being flexible, employers can foster positivity and innovation.

Realistic deadlines and clear priorities

Every employee must be clear on what the company's priorities are. This is likely a time when staff members are trying to catch up on backlogged work. They may also need to take part in brainstorming sessions about how to increase revenue. In short, there's a lot on everybody's plate. By keeping expectations realistic and clear, managers can help staff members keep their stress levels under control. 

Successes and achievements - no matter how small - need to be shared and celebrated. Knowing that the company has closed a deal with a new customer or made significant progress on a big project can boost morale.

Hygiene protocols

By law, your staff must wear masks in the office and have access to hand sanitiser. Offices may need to be rearranged to ensure social distancing, and everyone who enters your premises needs to be screened for COVID-19. Management also needs to be sympathetic towards staff members who have to be extra cautious. Special arrangements should be made for staff members who have diabetes or hypertension, and are particularly susceptible to the virus. No one can produce their best work in an environment in which they do not feel safe.

Company health protocols need to be transparent and accessible to all staff, from cleaners to executives. The entire team needs to be aware of the measures that you are taking to keep them safe.

A culture of open communication

In these tough times, management needs to be open in their communication with staff. Also, members of the team must feel able to approach management with any questions that they have. If staff members feel free to voice their concerns, there are many advantages for a company. For starters, open channels of communication mean less room for office gossip and rumours. Secondly, if a staff member knows that he or she can openly voice their concerns, then they are more likely to also share their ideas.

An effective communication strategy does more than keep everyone informed. It also keeps them motivated. Communication fosters high morale by keeping everyone in the loop and boosting team spirit. More than ever before, companies need fresh new ideas, and great ideas come from staff members who feel inspired and empowered. 

Be as flexible as possible

The advantages of having a team working from the office rather than from home cannot be overstated. Yet, during the lockdown, allowances must be made for employees who have had to make changes to their routines. Staff members with children are likely to be affected since public schools are currently closed for most grades. Staff members who rely on public transport may feel safer travelling at times of the day when taxis and buses tend to be less full. Encouraging a culture of open communication will help a company to understand what its staff members' needs are.

During this critical phase of the world's response to COVID-19, companies have an opportunity to cement their reputation as employers who care. By keeping the channels of communication open while being flexible and realistic, you can help to allay employees' natural fears about being back at work. 3Cube Property Solutions is committed to making offices, warehouses and factories "work" for the companies that call them home. To learn more, or to find new premises for your commercial or industrial operation, contact us today.