How to support your team through re-opening
There's a lot of talk about re-opening and good conversation about what the timing is on workplaces, schools, and other services being safe again. End of summer? End of 2020? A year from now?
The data and the personal preferences are mixed, because even if physical offices do re-open, not all staff will be in a position to go in regularly. I've heard from a lot of folks that they are planning to continue a remote work set-up for the foreseeable future.
So even with those big decisions and logistics, we still think there are some key ways to position your team for support and success while adapting and maintaining some “knowns” in a sea of unknowns.
Here’s our list:
Be nice to your staff. Basic, I know. But send them flowers, soup, a wishlist item on their birthday and work-anniversary. People will appreciate it.
Be flexible. Every time a schedule shifts, schools change online learning, or something changes, people have a longer adjustment period and may need to shift their working schedules as other priorities change.
Book that summer vacation! Really, do it. All of you. Even if travel isn’t possible, everyone needs a lengthy period of time away from work obligations to rest, recharge, or even do some needed life-admin. (Hint: we’re thinking of all taking the same week off in July but we know other orgs are staggering vacations…)
Be a Policy Wonk. It’s time to dig into those leave policies and employee guidelines you may have been avoiding updating. If you need help understanding how to navigate FMLA, short term disability, or the HEROES Act, we can help you ask the right questions about options for your team.
Invest in your team. Folks needs skills to adapt and be successful in their new work context. Offer and pay for workshops to bolster new skills, bring in an expert or guest speaker to talk to your team, host a virtual retreat, or sign up for management training (sneak preview… we’ll have some starting soon!)
We know this is hard and we’re navigating through it all right there with you. We’re inspired by everyone’s resiliency, honesty, and ability to take action in all of this. Amazing.
If you or someone on your team wants to chat about how to support your team, we’re here to chat!