The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented effect on our current way of life. Many jobs have been put on hold, and employers have been forced to turn their workforce into a skeletal one, or at worst, lay some people off. That said, chances are you’re reading this from home, as many businesses and even schools have moved to the online world.

While working from home has its appeal, it comes with shortcomings of its own. For many, having to switch to telecommuting could potentially decrease morale, not least by denying them the liveliness and intimacy of physical social interactions that typically occur within an actual workplace.

And if you’re the unlucky manager or team leader that has to deal with this, fortunately, there are a couple of strategies for you to get your staff back on their feet.

1. Exercise Extra Patience

Things aren’t easy right now. That’s not an exaggeration, it’s simply the truth. And it’s certainly the truth for many workers around the world. Salaries have been cut, and uncertainties about how life outside of work will go on weigh on the minds of many.

As COVID-19 continues to keep hospitals packed, there could be health reasons that are stopping your employees from reaching maximum productivity. Perhaps they have existing medical conditions that they can’t go to the hospital for, or maybe their mental health is being compromised during this pandemic. Or in the worst case, maybe your employees are grieving over someone lost to the disease.

Consider all these possible variables as an employer and extend as much empathy and patience to your staff in this difficult time.  Showing a little compassion goes a long way.

If you’re worried about kindness getting in the way of productivity, know that a team is likely to perform well if its leader is someone positive and trustworthy. Being patient communicates your trustworthiness as a leader, as well as your faith in your team members. Knowing that you can be trusted with their best interests nurtures a sense of solidarity and confidence, which in turn, encourages trustworthy employees who will give as much as they possibly can.

2. Be Proactive in Offering Help

Beyond exercising greater patience, what employers need to do now is to also be more proactive in checking in on their staff.

While it’s true that employers and employees don’t always need to be friends, making your support felt as an employer is greatly important in such a confusing and distressing time.

Besides, being proactive doesn’t always mean just checking in on the well-being of your employees. It also means leading by example, and offering to help your staff that might be lagging behind. This is something a good leader should be doing anyway, – picking up the pace when things get difficult.

Actively ask your team if they need any help with the things they have to do, and if there’s any way your contribution as a leader can lighten their burden.

3. Fight for Your Staff

As a manager and team leader, it’s your job to bridge the gap between your staff and the higher-ups. Or if you’re an employer or a business owner, you’re already that direct connection. That said, this coronavirus scare is teaching everyone that unity is key, which is why you have to fight for your staff.

In light of mass layoffs in recent months, there’s no denying that prospects look bleak. This is why you, as a good employer, should come in and offer protection in what ways you can. Speak to your higher-ups about making sure no one is fired, and that everyone receives proper benefits.

Yes, there isn’t much money to go around right now, but if your employees know that their jobs are safe, they’ll work to keep it that way. So, make sure you always try to communicate with your staff about possible changes in the terms of employment, and be on their side when it comes to keeping their jobs.

Remember, a leader is only as good as their team. So, you can’t be any good if you have no staff at all.

To your success,

Mario

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