Ditchmen • NUCA of Florida Ditchmen - July 2020 | Page 10

■ Do they have someone safe they can talk
to at home if they need to unwind and
debrief?
■ Are they maintaining some kind of
physical activity to help relieve stress?
Check in with your employees about how
they are coping outside of work. Work/life
balance matters now more than ever.
These are scary times. It’s important for
you to model the kind of behavior you
want your employees to have, because
they are looking to you for leadership. Try
to remain calm. Understand that these are
unprecedented times, and if you can make
their lives a little easier by being flexible,
then you should do it. In addition, now is a
great time to show your employees how
much you appreciate them.
Order pizza, or give them a little extra paid
time off if you can afford it. A little kindness
will go a long way. If nothing else, tell
them how much you appreciate them and
the work they are doing. Investing in your
employees right now will cause them to be
more loyal to you in the future.
A positive attitude improves motivation in
the workplace
It’s difficult to imagine the future at this
time, as we have no idea when the future
will begin, or what it will look like. But
it’s important to keep a positive outlook.
Remind workers that they are providing
critical services.
What are the things you (and your
employees) are learning in this pandemic
that will help to make you better in the
future? Employees who shine at this difficult
time will make great managers in the future.
Offer them additional training if possible,
so that they can see a future with your
company, and know that it’s going to get
better.
You’re the leader they’ve been waiting for
Keeping your employees fired up is
challenging during normal times, but in
today’s uncertain climate it’s tougher than
ever. You can’t make the threat go away. But
you can:
■ Understand what is going on for your
employees right now
■ Be flexible
■ Show them appreciation
■ Keep the lines of communication open
If you can do all these things and stay
positive, your employees can be inspired to
come to work and do an important job.
8 DITCHMEN • JULY 2020