There is a lot going on in our world, country, and communities currently. At Milestones HR, LLC we believe the whole person comes to work. With this in mind, employees are likely processing change in their own way and at their own pace. How can we help them? It is important to focus on keeping employee morale high during times of change and uncertainty; yet it can be challenging. Here are some strategies you can use to create a more positive and supportive work environment:
- Open and Transparent Communication
- Address concerns directly: Acknowledge negativity or change without dismissing it. You don’t have to have a solution for it. However, when people feel heard and seen, it often helps them process their emotions more constructively.
- Share the bigger picture: Be transparent about the company’s situation, plans, and any changes that might be coming due to a variable that is outside of the company’s control. Clarity reduces anxiety. Even updates saying that nothing has changed or there isn’t anything new to report serve as valuable touchpoints for employees.
- Recognize and Celebrate Small Wins
- Celebrate successes within the work place whenever you can: Even if things are tough, highlight small achievements to remind everyone of progress. Whether it’s meeting a deadline, a great idea from a team member, or just showing up with a positive attitude, recognition can lift spirits.
- Praise efforts: What gets praised, gets repeated. Recognize people for their hard work and dedication, especially when variables are outside of the Company’s control or are less than ideal.
- Encourage Teamwork
- Foster a sense of community: Organize team-building activities (virtual or in-person) to help employees bond. When people feel connected, it’s easier to navigate uncertain times. Use ice breakers to start meetings to encourage employees getting to know one another.
- Provide a support network: Encourage employees to support each other, and provide a safe space for people to vent, share experiences, and brainstorm solutions.
- Empower Employees
- Give them a sense of control: When negativity stems from uncertainty, give employees opportunities to influence decisions or participate in solving challenges at work. Empowering them can restore a sense of agency and foster empowerment.
- Encourage innovation: Let employees share ideas on how to improve the work environment or processes. Involving them in solutions can foster a sense of ownership and increase buy in.
- Provide Professional Development Opportunities
- Invest in growth: Offering learning and development opportunities can provide employees with new skills and a sense of purpose, reminding them of the bigger picture and their potential future growth within the company.
- Be Mindful of Well-Being
- Promote work-life balance: Encourage breaks, time off, and boundaries between work and personal life. Employee wellness is vital during challenging times.
- Offer emotional support: Provide resources such as counseling or mental health programs to help employees cope with stress and negative feelings. Most ancillary benefits, including group plans that offer life/AD&D, short term disability, and long-term disability often offer an Employee Assistance Plan at no additional cost.
- Lead by Example
- Stay positive and calm: Leaders should model the behavior they want to see in their employees. If you remain composed, optimistic, and solution-oriented, employees are more likely to adopt a similar attitude.
- Show empathy: Be understanding and compassionate towards your team. Recognize that each employee may be going through different challenges, and acknowledging their struggles helps build trust.
- Create Opportunities for Fun and Relaxation
- Inject humor and fun: Organize stress-relieving activities like virtual happy hours, casual chats, or a friendly competition. Sometimes, just laughing together can break the cycle of negativity.
- Celebrate employee milestones: Even during times of uncertainty, there is plenty to celebrate. Recognize employee milestones – graduations, getting certified in a specialty, work anniversary, birthday (just avoid sharing the age or birth year of the employee), marriage, birthday, new home, first home, etc. A monthly gathering to celebrate these milestones gives people things to look forward to and celebrate.
- Focus on Purpose
- Reconnect with the mission: Remind employees why their work matters. Focusing on the larger mission and goals can help them feel more engaged and motivated.
- Solicit Feedback and Act on It
- Encourage open dialogue: Regularly check in with employees to understand how they are feeling. Let them know their opinions are valued.
- Act on feedback: If there are issues causing negativity, make genuine efforts to address them. When employees see change based on their input, it builds trust.
Would you like some more tips tailored to your situation or specific challenges your team is facing? We’re happy to brainstorm with you! Contact Milestones HR, LLC at 608-370-4642 or angie@milestoneshr.com for a free, no obligation 30-minute exploration conversation.
