COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the daily routines of people around the world. Especially, the life of working professionals has gone through a lot of changes. Companies and their employees are going through an unexpected tough time because of this pandemic which has caused extreme fluctuations in both business and psychological state of individuals. This has an impact in both small-sized, large scale businesses to enforce layoffs as they have impacted largely or to made many workforces to work from home.
This has made the work from home model as mandatory for many industries, than an optional one. Many employers feel that maintaining employee morale is a big problem during this pandemic. The way that team members get motivated in an office work will not the same when compared to work from remote.
Work from home has it’s own advantageous, but also in a way it has a few delimitations. Sometimes employees working from remote feel disconnected, as it may be the first time that they are into the model of working from home, and also for an extended period of days. Studies suggest that some employees experience bouts of low morale due to this remote work isolation. This low morale of employees may eventually affect the overall performance and growth of the organization.
So, most employers feel that boosting employee’s morale while working from home improves the overall growth of an organization. You may wonder how do it? It’s possible and easy. Here are five ways in which you can boost your employees’ morale.
(1) Leverage the power of Technology
One good way to boost employee engagement is by making use of technologies. Technologies and advanced tools holds an important role to keep the organization connected together. Using technology as a tool gives a new life to your workforce by creating online groups and conducting virtual meetings than ever before.
There are many tools and applications available now for connecting employee with each other, even with remote teams to work without any interruptions. Based on the needs, organization may invest in a well suited and an user-friendly, quickly adaptable apps for their employees to participate in work activities and accomplish their tasks.
Using technology for messaging, e-mails, video conferencing, online data storage, and other needs , will increase the productivity of employees to a greater extent.
(2) Create a Culture of Recognition
Appreciating employees is an essential part of company culture. Appreciation is a great way to motivate people, which in turn improves the overall success of the organization. As the entire world is going through hard times, in which people feel distressed – implementing a recognition or appreciation program through virtual meetings makes employees feel rejoiced for their contribution.
These online programs will help the employers demonstrate their care towards the employees even when they aren’t in the office and on another hand, the employee morale gets improved and it makes them to perform better as their efforts towards their organization are being recognized. Or a simple “good job” email will make them feel motivated.
(3) Increase flexibility
Pandemic has different effects on everyone. During this uncertain time, companies need to be flexible in working hours and sick days. Flexible working conditions can reduce stress levels and enhance the working experience of an employee.
Demonstrating empathy and flexibility makes employees to stay with the company for a longer duration and it also reinforces positivity within the company which results in better employee morale. To avoid procrastination, before implementing flexible practices, the organization must inform their employees about work expectations and deadlines.
(4) Stay connected
Communication is one of the key elements for employee engagement, especially during this pandemic. Creating a culture of communication where everyone can share their individual goals will motivate others and make them to work as one, to achieve the collective organizations’ growth
Especially in a situation like this, make sure to keep employees stay connected with their co-workers to combat feelings of isolation. By setting up video conferencing and messaging platforms across the company, keep your employees updated about the situation and allow them to remain engaged and feel supportive. This way, you can ensure company goals are being met, and it gives a chance for you to maintain honest and transparent communication. In any given situation, with proper communication, employers can make their employees realize their importance.
(5) Have fun
To keep up the team spirit and morale, team-building activities are essential. Having a fun and enjoyable work environment is just as important as the work itself. One key benefit of a well-organized team-building activity is the improvement in bonding between employees.
For creating a successful team, employees must realize that their work is never just about them, it is about the entire group – to achieve this, team-building activities can be planned and friendly competition within your company can be conducted.
Having fun helps to decrease stress and helps in building positive relationships.
It may be hard to maintain high employee morale during a global crisis, but it’s not impossible to achieve. With all the available tools and technologies, keeping strong communication, increased flexibility, often recognizing employees for their good work, a team can navigate this new work environment without affecting the morale.
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