As a digital native, the prospect of digital working and learning is not a concept that I should find daunting, or even surprising. My childhood, adolescence and adulthood thus far have all been shaped by ever-changing technologies and virtual experiences. However, this has provided little advantage over my older peers as we adapt to the immense impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Challenging as it may have been to adjust to the norms of living almost entirely in a virtual world, it is certain that these challenges are much the same, if not greater, for many organisations who have had to adjust their offerings and their workforces to online life, ultimately bearing responsibility for the continuation of the economy, whilst protecting the wellness and work ethic of employees.
Despite overcoming many of the challenges posed by Covid-19, the implementation of a new way of working has seen a new set of employee expectations arise, challenging businesses to reconsider their interactions with their teams. These are reflected clearly by IBM’s monthly Covid-19 consumer surveys, which suggests that employees now expect their employers to play an active role in supporting their physical and emotional health, whilst also equipping them with the skills required to efficiently work from home. Despite the significant lean towards increasing employee supports during the pandemic, many organisations have struggled to adopt successful methods to support their employees, with just 38% believing that their organisation has supported their learning of new skills required, and only 46% feeling the support of their organisations.
What can business leaders do to help?
A lot can be learnt from the successful business practices adopted by many companies during the Covid-19 pandemic, which have ensured frequent communications, supporting for a work-life balance, provided appropriate resources to employees and maintained regular team-building activities.
Communicating with Employees during Covid-19
According to a study conducted by the Harvard Business Review in conjunction with Qualtrics and SAP, employees who expressed that their managers were not good at communicating are 23% more likely to experience a decline in mental health. Communicating effectively, efficiently and regularly with employees is more important now than ever. Team members should be regularly updated with appropriate information about organisational updates and changes. The provision of relevant communications plays a key role in reducing employee stress and allows leaders to set clear expectations for their employees.
The study also makes clear the importance of recognising employee dedication, efforts and contributions to the organisation during the pandemic. The inclusion of appreciation during regular communications plays a key role in boosting employee morale, at a time when many fear the uncertainty associated with their roles.
Supporting Work-Life Balance
Moving work life into a personal space means that the line between work and personal life is blurring. To limit the negative implications of the increased presence of work in employees’ personal lives, leaders must lead by example, raising the importance of self-care, checking in with employees individually where possible. When leaders share insights into what they are doing to ensure a healthy work-life balance, employees are often inspired to do the same.
Providing Appropriate Resources
Although many employees may be well acquainted with the resources required to run your business remotely, it’s important to ensure that all members of the team are equipped with the necessary resources and supports required to enable the daily functioning of the organisation. Where uncertainty arises around how to use new tools in the workplace, it’s important to provide employees with appropriate training and resources to enable them to gain confidence in their abilities to work from home.
Given the intense impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on employee mental health, it is important to also consider the resources provided to support employee wellbeing. Employers have a responsibility to combat this largely negative impact via the provision of appropriate resources and tools.
Maintaining Regular Team Building Activities
According to the Harvard Business Review survey, conducted in conjunction with Qualtrics and SAP, employees benefit hugely from opportunities to bond with their teams, facilitated by their leaders. Hosting regular team building activities allow teams to bond and restores a social aspect to employees’ lives. Successful team building activities hosted by organisations include virtual coffee breaks, virtual lunches and even virtual happy hours! It’s important for employees to feel like they are part of a team. Hosting online team building events is a great way to foster a team spirit.
Organisations have worked tirelessly to ensure that their businesses adapt to the ‘new normal’ posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, today it is not enough to focus on how these changes affect the lives of customers. Instead organisations must consider what they can do to support their employees. A successful business starts from within. Whether employees are digital natives or have watched the digital sphere unfold throughout their lives, it’s important for organisations and leaders to provide the appropriate supports to ensure effective operations, and to maintain a positive morale.
Post a Comment