Tips for leaders as we return to work
You don’t need me to tell you it’s an uncertain time - for employees and employers. Will things be OK? What are the risks? How secure are our jobs?
The ‘new normal’ we keep hearing about is now taking shape - for some it means increased risk, fear and a lot of confusion. In worrying times, clear leadership can be a huge support and boost employee engagement levels.
Where leaders need to focus
1: People will be looking to you and the leadership team. It’s what goes with the responsibility. It’s time to step up to the plate and show the quality of your leadership.
2: People need a sense of direction, understanding and reassurance to counter uncertainty.
3: From an employee engagement perspective, there’s a lot of work to be done. Leaders need to provide them with (a) plan (b) empathy (c) hope.
4: Employees are considering what’s really important to them right now and need a sense of belonging and purpose. This needs to be the focus for leaders to keep all connected and informed.
5: The role of middle managers is critical in coaching, supporting and guiding employees through this crisis. Leaders need to be telling their teams that this has to be their focus and their priority.
6: Many people are feeling an increased state of anxiety. They aren’t clear on what their workplace will look like. They don’t feel safe making the daily commute. They aren’t comfortable leaving their homes each day. That’s why my number one suggestion is to ask your line managers to be particularly understanding and sensitive to those around them.
If you need to check in with someone as an employee engagement sounding board, please get in touch.
Author: Richard Roberts
Posted on: Wednesday 2nd September 2020