Weathering the Storm
Somehow we’ve managed to stay afloat while confronting the perilous seas of last year’s pandemic. Now here we are in 2021, and we still haven’t reached a safe harbor. But we can see some clearing skies on the horizon as we try to right our ship and get back on course.
Our employees have had to overcome unbelievable challenges to help ensure our survival. So how can we continue to acknowledge and support them as we transition to hopefully a non-COVID world? This is part one in a two part series so be sure to check back for part two next week.
Recognizing Our Heroes
We know our employees have gone above and beyond to keep us from going under. Maybe it’s time we went a little overboard in showing our appreciation for their heroic efforts.
Incentive columnist Roy Saunderson, an expert in employee recognition, recently offered 20 ideas for recognizing employees both during and after COVID-19. We will share 10 of these ideas in this post, and the other 10 in our next blog post.
These thoughtful suggestions underscore the need for us to be ever mindful of how difficult this year has been for our employees and how we can help to alleviate some of their frustrations and concerns.
- Show More Care and Concern - Now is the time to drill down and ask employees about their financial, physical and emotional well-being.
- Walk and Talk - Go out for a walk or call employees on the phone. Some people have a hard time being alone right now.
- Create an Online Employee Community - Set up a social recognition program or an online bulletin board for employees to express what they're grateful for. Each person can share a "success of the week."
- Share Good News - Share positive stories on the company and industry organization with your team to boost their spirits.
- Honor People Along Their Work Journey - People are pulling out all the stops with creativity, new ideas, and getting the work done. Take time to appreciate them for who they are and recognize what they do.
- Be Mindful of the Stages of Grief - Staff may go through denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance when their workplace implements changes and job cuts. Acknowledge their emotions and offer support.
- Offer Support to Worried Staff - Many of your employees know someone with COVID-19 or have family members dealing with serious health issues. Make sure your employee assistance program and/or counselors are available for your staff.
- Add Cheer to Your Meetings - Are your Zoom meetings feeling rote right now? Then liven up the meeting with an upbeat chant, cheer or music at the beginning or end of the session.
- Make Time for Recognition - Make it a priority to schedule time each day to give thanks and praise to a member of your team, via an online recognition program, personal call or a handwritten note.
- Hold Virtual Celebrations - With the pandemic preventing live events, organize online virtual celebrations with special goodies and gifts delivered to people's homes, so everyone can participate.
Check back next week for part two of this blog post.
A Little Empathy Can Go a Long Way
Showing extra care and concern during these times can only serve to strengthen your employees’ dedication and commitment to your organization’s success. This additional effort calls for maximum flexibility and the ability to change on a dime.
You will need a technology platform that enables you to easily modify recognition initiatives on the fly. That’s what we do. We can help get you get to the other side of this COVID pandemic. Give us a call at 888-899-7295.
