How To Support Your Employees During a Crisis
Here’s how leaders can set expectations for their team's productivity, support their well-being, and emerge stronger
Acknowledge that things aren’t normal
This isn’t a time to put on a smile and pretend that everything is normal.
Be transparent, especially about bad news
Expect less — a lot less
Affirm and model family responsibilities
If your child is in your Zoom meeting with you, you don't need to apologize for that- that's our normal and to be expected.
Allow flexible schedules with async communication
Help your team disconnect from work
Provide resources to support mental health
Mental health has often been viewed as “too taboo for the workplace,” according to HR Executive. There’s no reason it needs to be.
How to encourage employee well-being
* Shorten work weeks or work hours.
* Preserve weekends: don’t schedule meetings or calls, and encourage people to take their Saturdays and Sundays.
* Encourage people to use their vacation days, or require it.
* Allow flexible schedules.
* Use asynchronous communication.
* Provide mental health and wellness resources.
* Adjust goals and deadlines.
* Stay connected with regular (but not excessive) check-ins.
Elaine Meyer
Elaine is a writer, editor, and content strategist who is interested in tech, health, and the future of work.
