stronger , as was the clarity around what we should do next .
But being an illusion doesn ’ t mean that it isn ’ t important – because it very much is . As leaders , we have an opportunity to give our employees the substance or the evidence that , in fact , they do have more control , more stability , more certainty , and more clarity than what they may be feeling right now . So how can you empower your employees ? Let ’ s dive a bit deeper into each of these four areas .
CONTROL – Giving Your Employees The Power To Be Heard
It ’ s true , we all have felt like we ’ ve lost control over our lives the past several months . Nothing has gone as planned in the world . But despite your lack of control over what goes on around you , as a leader , you can help create a sense of control for your employees . Part of that control is giving your employees the power to be heard . When someone feels like they have input and that their voice is being heard , that provides a level of control . There ’ s something to be said about being given the opportunity to speak and offer one ’ s opinion .
One way you might consider giving your employees more control in these uncertain times is by deploying surveys , which can be incredibly valuable . Think of surveys as quick checks . If you have a lot of employees , you likely don ’ t have time to go around to each employee to ask for feedback . But a survey is a quick , yet effective , way to gather feedback about their thoughts on your business ’ s reentry process ( or anything , really ). And in the end , you ’ ll hopefully find yourself armed with a lot of great ideas and suggestions for how to better care for your employees .
STABILITY – Communicating Regularly And Consistently With Your Employees
Stability is the ability for someone to be confident in something . In the case of returning to the office , one way you can help create a level of workplace stability for your employees is to communicate with them on a regular , consistent basis .
Holding either in-person or virtual regular check-ins , meeting as a whole company , or just your team , whatever your work group is . As a leader it gives you the opportunity to address everyone directly at one time , where you can provide the latest company update , discuss the progress of the re-entry process , as well as solicit feedback from employees – all while creating a level of stability for your employees .
CERTAINTY – Creating A Level Of Normalcy For Your Employees
Certainty is being able to create a sense of stability or normalcy , if you will , in an abnormal setting . Your employees may be asking , “ What can I count on , going forward ? What should my schedule this week look like ?” If you ’ re able to answer these questions ( and more ), and also encourage your teams to develop shortterm goals together , you ’ ll be well on your way to creating a sense of certainty for your employees . Anything you can do to continuously bring familiarity and certainty is going to work to your advantage .
CLARITY – Providing Your Employees With Clear Leader- Driven Priorities
Sure , they ’ ll probably look the same ( maybe with longer hair ?), but they ’ ll likely return with new fears , lots
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leave your employees wondering what they should be doing ( and certainly don ’ t leave it up to the rumor mill ). Be clear and direct . Manage your message and create control , stability and certainty for your employees by being clear . This whole area of clarity should really emphasize bringing people to a sense of , “ I ’ ve got my arms around this . I feel much safer , secure in this place .”
For example , your policies and procedures may have been very rigid in the past , but now you ’ ve got employees who have kids home for the summer and are trying to coordinate childcare while working full-time . It ’ s now a situation where you may be forced to be more flexible .
Let ’ s say your core working hours were 8 am to 5 pm . Will this schedule continue to work for the next eight to 12 to 18 months ? Or can you flex those core working hours and enable your employees to balance their job with their childcare needs ? Whatever you decide is best for your business , be sure to be clear on what your expectations are , and be flexible . Absolutely , be flexible .
Want to dive deeper into how to lead the workplace re-entry process for your business ? Be sure to check out our webinar on the subject at www . reacpa . com / insight / what-is-life-after-coronavirusleading-the-re-entry-process .
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