Boosting Employee Morale in a Remote Work Environment

As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic spreads across the country, so do the feelings of uncertainty and anxiety among many employees. More so, working alone does nothing to alleviate the stress, as it can trigger feelings of disconnect, loneliness or isolation.

During trying times like this, it’s important to keep your staff happy and motivated. As a manager, here are simple ways you can maintain high morale among your staff.

Establish Regular Team Wellness Check-ins

Check on your team members regularly to see how they are faring. Set up weekly online team meetings and discuss not only work-related matters but more importantly check on your employees’ health.

By constantly keeping in touch, you’re promoting a sense of camaraderie, it’s like you’re saying to them that they’re not alone in this battle. As humans, the need for social connection is hard-wired into our brain and our DNA, this is why constant catch-ups will be helpful.

Ensure Transparency

In this unprecedented time, with countless people worried about their job security, there are so many unknowns. Remember that transparency is a key component of maintaining trust and satisfaction among your employees.

According to the Department of Labor, more than 700,000 jobs have been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is why providing your staff with regular updates on the health of the company will help alleviate their fears. As a manager, keeping your employees informed about the security of their jobs gives them a sense of assurance.

Revisit Mental Health Care Programs

With the pandemic, now’s the time to revisit your company’s mental health care programs. Unfortunately, it was found that only a third of managers are considered to be sufficiently confident to start discussions on mental health.

With concerns over job security and income loss looming, employees are likely to experience heightened anxiety, pressure and stress.

As a manager, you should be at the forefront of these. Your lines must be open to sensitive and supportive discussions with your staff. You can also offer online mental health screening as a resource to your employees. After completing the screening, individuals receive immediate results, education, and resources.

Maintain a Sense of Humor

These are difficult and unprecedented times, for sure, but maintaining a sense of humor is a good way to keep your team’s spirits up.

It wouldn’t hurt to inject a slice of humor in your team’s daily communication, just to lighten everybody’s moods.

But remember to stay respectful and know your boundaries. For example, refrain from cracking jokes about the seriousness of the virus itself.

Appreciate and Recognize your Staff Frequently

When staff morale is low, nothing can lift it back up as effectively as giving recognition.

In your virtual meetings, you can personally (and publicly) recognize the work of your staff in these trying times. Because for your team, there’s nothing more that affirms their value than being recognized by their managers.

These are just some ways you can boost employee morale amidst the ongoing pandemic.

For some employees, remote working can feel lonely. However, by providing your unwavering presence and support, your people stay happy and motivated.

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