Between confusing news sources and uncertain rules and conditions, you and your staff are likely feeling the fatigue that comes with the general consensus of confusion happening right now. But, like any good leader, you’re ready to step up and be a source of guidance. Yet, even the best leaders sometimes don’t know where to start.
These 4 tips are to help you and your staff stay connected, comforted, and a unified force while we are social distancing.
Host a Virtual Happy Hour
Thanks to technology social distancing isn’t all that bad. Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, and Google Hangouts has been helping us stay connected with our friends, family, and coworkers. Yet, we’re still missing some of the aspects of our old life, like happy hours after a long day! Sure, it’s been fun enjoying an end-of-the-day beer or wine with our pets but it’s probably time to switch things up.
The platform Zoom allows you to host video conferencing with multiple people during one video session. Additionally, Zoom allows you to create a password for the event so that others without the login information cannot join. This helps to protect your happy hour from hackers.
Treat this happy hour as you would an in-person one where you set a specific day and time for everyone to meet. Send out e-vites, get your happy hour snack and drinks ready, and dress from the waist down to party!
Offer to Pay for Online Certifications or Courses
With not a lot going on and no where to go, what better thing to do than learn! Your staff may have expressed interest in learning a new skill or gaining a new certification. Prior to CoVid19, however, who had the time? Making time for a certification course or online course was incredibly difficult. Between work, family, friends, and other personal and professional obligations, education may have taken a backseat.
The silver lining to all of this is that we now have some newfound free time. While your staff may want to learn new skills, they may be concerned about cost due to reduced hours. This is where you come in to save the day! Investing in your staff is more than just about helping them find new ways to pass the time.
Did you know that it takes 200% of a skilled employee’s salary to attract and train new talent? It’s in your favor to continuously provide an environment where your staff is able to learn and grow under your facility. Not only does this improve your staff’s skills, but employee morale is also boosted, as well as a brighter, more successful future is in store for everyone.
Stay in Touch
For some people, once they leave their workplace for the evening… that’s it. They don’t like to think, talk, or dwell on work. However, with all the uncertainty looming in the air, staying in touch with your staff is a good idea. By maintaining some polite contact, you are helping to show your staff that you care and that you’re interested in their well-being. Keep in mind that some people may want to maintain some level of privacy while we all try to cope with what is happening. With this in mind, don’t be offended if some of your staff is short or prefers not to share much about what’s been going on with them. Respect their space but let them know that you are hear if they need anything.
Offer Paid Leave
Much of the fear surrounding CoVid19 has to do with financial insecurity. For many Americans, the timing of their next paycheck is up in the air. If you’re able to, consider offering paid leave for your staff so that they can feel confident with their finances. We’re all struggling right now but it’s important to do what you can and what’s right by your staff.