Focus on your People

Since the outbreak of the pandemic back in March, working practices have changed immeasurably. The transition to remote working has emerged in the blink of an eye and with it, a recognition that the work environment might never look the same again.

At the very heart of all this change is your employees, arguably an organisations most important asset. So, while we are all adapting to a new normal, business owners and leaders must focus on the views of their staff to see them through these challenging times.

During my work and collaboration with marketing departments, I have always championed and appreciated the value of people and strategy. You cannot have one without the other. The best marketing plans are not worth their salt, unless those involved in its implementation fully understand their role and the expectations of the board or management team.

And just as critical, every team member needs to be positively engaged to deliver the successful outcomes a business strives for. It is for this very reason that leaders should lead by example and set the right tone for their team. Strong and inspirational leadership in the current climate has never been more important.

So, how do you keep morale high during this period of transition?

It goes without saying that with the advent of fragmented teams due to COVID-19, communication is essential. So too, a clear understanding of ongoing staff needs. And a recognition that one size does not fit all.

Regular contact with individuals and a proactive interest in their welfare will also play a fundamental role in happiness at work. As greater numbers of staff now operate from home, the work environment has suddenly become a key influence on wellbeing and performance.

Some will flourish in 'ready-made' home working environments and without the burden of a daily commute. While others may struggle - facing the inevitable distractions at home, operating with limited facilities (compared to their office environment) and experiencing feelings of isolation.

In instances such as these, it is important for leaders to demonstrate empathy and undertake one-to-one sessions to discuss and agree appropriate actions. It also helps to organise online team meetings to provide transparency around expectations, and promote staff interaction, discussion, and feedback. Adding a fun element to these get-togethers, also helps to keep spirits high.

Responsibility is important too. Involve people in the planning and strategy process. Organise brainstorming sessions, encourage ideas and empower your team to make a difference. End-to-end involvement in a process or project maintains a level of interest and engagement that translates into a motivation to meet a goal. A sense of part ownership is shared with a feeling of satisfaction and reward.

On the theme of achievement, celebrate success at an individual, team and business wide level. It is these special moments, however large or small, that create a ‘success breeds success’ culture. In addition, why not nominate champions within your group for key areas of the business to drive innovation and change? Empowering others to add value can benefit the individual and the business.

Look beyond the ‘here and now’ too. Use your one-to-ones to understand the development needs and aspirations of your staff. While, not every need can be met for every employee, a commitment to dialogue and action in areas such as training will help to increase work satisfaction and engagement.

Maintaining a positive and connected culture within a team and business helps you to retain your best talent, keep morale high and maximise performance. So, against a backdrop of uncertainty, businesses that focus on their people are more likely to succeed.