How's your team doing?

Before we were rudely interupted by the pandemic, one of the great debates in business was around mental health in the workplace. Numerous articles discussed work life balance, productivity versus value, the importance of a safe environment etc etc.

Here at JCM we introduced the 30 hour week, have a program of training and development and had great plans for the future of the business and the team

Then we all started working from home.....

Now, as a business owner and leader, I would expect to work longer hours in such an emergency. My role is to plan, plan, plan and review. And do it all again the next day until we have a workable framework. But what should we expect from the rest of the team?

Think about your staff. A few weeks ago you may have had team members who were struggling with reaching the right level of attainment, perhaps struggling with personal stress or issues in their own familes and relationships. Others may have had health issues already, or poorly relatives. Still others may have had housing or monetary worries.

Now add into to that the fear and doubt that the current emergency has engendered in us all. Plus the fact you have now asked them to work from home.

And they are probably going to be doing that for at least another month.

Now the novelty has worn off, what steps are you taking to ensure your team are safe, feel valued and are performing to the best of their ability in the current circumstances?

Holding some one to account over a target may not be the best idea when customers are in the same boat, and your colleague has young children running around their feet, while they work at the kitchen table.

Companies and organisations that really value staff as their most important asset are already taking steps to ensure that staff are feeling looked after. They are open and transparent in their communications, engage with on line meetings, both social and work related, and talk to each team member on a daily basis. I know of one client who now holds a weekly staff quiz, and makes a point of spending time every week on line with each colleague to talk about anything they can help with.

These are the companies that will be ready and able to take on the next challenge, knowing they have the right team. Looking after your team today requires more than just lip service to a policy.