On the edge? – boosting morale during COVID-19

July 2020  |  FEATURE  |  LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT

Financier Worldwide Magazine

July 2020 Issue

“Morale and attitude are the fundamental ingredients to success” said the late US politician, broadcaster and football player and coach Bud Wilkinson. In a work context, possession of such traits, while always desirable in a positive sense, are now essential in the coronavirus (COVID-19) era.

Across the globe, the pandemic has wrought havoc on a great many businesses, with employees having to adjust to a new dynamic: the discipline of remote working. In place for some months now, the impact of this new normal on physical and mental health is a subject of some debate.

While many remote work at some time or another, the difficulties involved for those unused to doing so are considerable, particularly for an indefinite period. “People who are fortunate enough to still have jobs are more frantic than ever,” says Jodie Fox, a director at Worklogic. “Part of this comes from the organisation and adjustment involved in the mass movement to working from home. Adding to anxieties are the difficulties of working in makeshift home offices, perhaps with children learning at home, an unreliable internet connection and worries about parents and family and friends who we can no longer see.

“Those that have had their hours reduced or who have been stood down have the added stress of trying to figure out how to cope with the reduced income financially without knowing how long they will need to do this for and in an environment where government policy changes daily,” she continues. “They have much more time to worry and may be struggling to adjust to having much less to do. Not surprisingly, all of these factors have an impact on employee morale.”

Boosting morale

During these times of uncertainty, it is important for employers to help their employees overcome feelings of isolation and disengagement, otherwise there may be a dip in morale, leading to a significant fall in productivity.

According to McCann Fitzgerald, employers should perform a number of actions to help boost employee morale – advice that is especially important for those that are remote working for the first time.

First, keep employees informed. Email communications should be clear and concise focusing on important pieces of information that will keep employees up to date. Employers should also consider implementing regular team check-in meetings via video or conference call.

Second, promote work-life balance. Acknowledge that employees may find it difficult to adjust to remote working and that they may find themselves more distracted than normal with additional home responsibilities. Encourage employees to establish a new working routine, which should incorporate regular small breaks during the working day.

Third, ask for feedback. While for many employers the introduction of remote working for their workforce may be unprecedented, suggestions from employees should be welcomed. Asking for feedback also helps employees know that their thoughts are valued and when any issues are addressed as a result of feedback.

Fourth, suggests McCann Fitzgerald, be flexible and empathetic. Where the nature of the business allows for flexibility, employers should consider allowing employees to vary their working hours to suit their new arrangements. Employees’ productivity levels when they are free from distraction will also benefit employers.

“My advice to employers in times of change is to not just sit there – do something,” asserts Ms Fox. “This is not the time to sit back and let your team just get on with it; team leaders need to be present, available and talking often with their team. Since social distancing restrictions began, each day feels like about a week. The speed of changes happening across the economy and broader society mean that day-to-day life has slowed to a snail’s pace in comparison. Anything that provides structure and allows the team to develop some normalcy around new ways of working will help.”

Maintaining morale

Although a phased return to work is being introduced by many countries, overall there is no definite end to the crisis in sight. It is therefore essential for companies to keep employee morale and productivity as high as possible, enabling everyone to continue to work effectively as the weeks and months roll by.

“Communication is key, but so is a focus on clarity of purpose, direction and work instructions and expected standards of quality,” says Ms Fox. “Employers need to regularly and deliberately check in with their employees to ensure they are on the right track. Managers need to communicate with their team to help them make sense of the work that needs to be done at this time.

“If employees have been stood-down, regular, scheduled updates and communications about the current situation is vital, even if nothing much has changed,” she continues. “Look for opportunities to recognise people’s efforts, acknowledge positive progress and celebrate successes, no matter how small. Offering genuine praise and appreciation goes a long way to boosting morale.”

© Financier Worldwide

BY

Fraser Tennant