The COVID-19 pandemic has become a proven disruptor of business as usual. Managers have been thrust into the forefront of providing everything from remote location accessibility to impromptu therapy to their employees. Growth and performance leader Eyal Gutentag has honed in on the key strategies that managers should employ in a Post-COVID era to help employees be successful in the workplace.
1. Care
Genuine, authentic care and concern for employees are unmistakable. COVID-19 has raised many fears other than the fear of getting sick. These can include the fear of job loss, the fear of isolation, and the fear for loved ones. To ease these fears, Eyal Gutentag Manager encourages openness from the top of the company. Let employees know about health benefits they can utilize, especially any mental health initiatives. Send frequent newsletters and memos down the chain that keep everyone informed about company activities and offerings.
2. Communicate
Of course, two-way communication should always be a policy in every company, but it is especially needed now. Employees should feel free to ask questions about any changes in the company’s operating practices or personnel. Leaders should listen to their suggestions, particularly if they concern workplace safety or working from home. Eyal Gutentag recommends having an anonymous question page on the company intranet.
3. Collaborate
Getting everyone in the company on board with improving the work atmosphere will reap rewards. According to Eyal Gutentag’s Medium post “Post-COVID: 5 Ways Managers Can Communicate Better”, whether a company is continuing with remote work from home or gradually transitioning back to the office, a calm and controlled environment is key. Managers should be clear about workplace expectations and eliminate confusion and chaos. If goals and objectives need to change or realign as companies move into a Post-COVID environment, all employees need to be apprised of and invested in the new direction.
4. Confer
Now is the time for managers to raise their profile and step up to the plate in new and dynamic ways. In the same Medium post, Eyal Gutentag suggests that one of the most effective methods to accomplish this is to hold regular employee video conferences. This helps employees to feel a part of the team, especially if they are working from home. Managers should address current and future issues so employees can see that the top tier is aware of their concerns.
5. Commit
The COVID-19 pandemic has put companies and their personnel in flux like never before. Changes in a company’s employee roster can be upsetting and disorienting when so much already feels uncertain. Eyal Gutentag proposes that managers commit a member of the staff, such as the head of HR, to handling all announcements about changes in personnel. If they are given the authority and the official channels to speak, employees will be in the loop and appreciate the communication.
As the world moves to a post-pandemic position, business management will still need to act proactively to ensure a transition to the new normal. As each company decides what the new workplace will be, compassionate leadership will facilitate a more secure work environment.
