Your company is facing a period of uncertainty. How can you keep your employees engaged and motivated?

The ELI5 view: - Be transparent & update regularly. Transparency builds trust and reduces anxiety, regular communication is key. - Have a Plan & Share it. What's the impact, what are we going to do, how may it impact you? - Frequent Check-Ins. Check in on employee wellbeing, address concerns, offer support. - Encourage Collaboration. Foster a sense of camaraderie, provide opportunities for development and cross functional support. - Lead by Example. Show resilience, positivity, adaptability in your own actions and attitude. Your behaviour sets the tone and can inspire confidence during challenging times.

During uncertain periods, senior managers may avoid communication due to discomfort in sharing incomplete information or a desire to avoid appearing uninformed. However, in this case employees feel themselves uninformed and left in dark. This would lead rumors and distrust. When leaders choose to humble and transparent, and share information clearly and frequently even in case no updates are available, this reduces anxiety and build trust. When they share the purpose and common goals continiously, enduring team work is achieved.

We can consider below strategies during this crucial period: 1. Transparent Communication: Keep employees informed about the situation as much as possible. Share updates on the company’s status, future plans, and any changes that may affect them. 2. Provide Support: Offer support and resources to help employees navigate uncertainty, 3. Recognition and Appreciation: Acknowledge employees’ efforts and contributions regularly. 4. Maintain Clear Goals: Set clear goals and priorities for the team, even in uncertainty. 5. Encourage Collaboration: Foster a sense of teamwork and collaboration among employees. Encourage them to support each other, share ideas, and work together to overcome challenges.

Professional Development Opportunities: Invest in training and development programs to enhance employees' skills and keep them engaged in their work. Encourage continuous learning and provide resources for employees to expand their knowledge and capabilities. Employee Involvement and Feedback: Seek input from employees on decisions that may affect them, fostering a sense of inclusion. Create avenues for open feedback to understand concerns and address them proactively. Team Building and Social Connection: Facilitate virtual or in-person team-building activities to strengthen interpersonal relationships.

Empowering employees involves fostering a culture of trust, autonomy, and collaboration. Organizations can achieve this by providing clear communication channels, involving employees in decision-making processes, and offering opportunities for skill development and growth. Additionally, recognizing and rewarding contributions, promoting work-life balance, and establishing a supportive environment where employees feel valued and respected are essential. Streamlining the processes and decreasing the approval steps supports employees on being more efficient and also empowers them to have more productive work outcomes.