Understanding Workforce Unrest - Part 2

Leading teams has always presented considerable challenges, requiring leaders to possess a large range of skills and capabilities to succeed. The global pandemic, and the resulting shift to remote work, have heightened feelings of frustration in the workplace. In part one of this article series, titled “Understanding Workforce Unrest”, we explored the causes behind this to help provide perspective.?

Now, in part two, we explore the different strategies for consideration to restore levels of frustration to normal, more manageable, levels.?

Formal Leadership Development Programs

All too often, leaders have received little, if any, formal training to acquire the skills and abilities to lead most effectively. In fact, a recent study conducted by McLean & Company shows that only 17% of leaders excel at leadership competencies. While it could be argued that all the same principles of leadership apply, the change we’ve experienced and learning how to manage people remotely has heightened the need for leaders to acquire the necessary skills. The days of evading formal leadership development are gone, as leaders require support to lead themselves, as well as their teams to navigate the same stresses experienced by their teams.

A study conducted by Cision sheds light on this. Of the leaders surveyed, 61% agreed that the transition to remote work significantly changed their company's culture, while 47% stated that it was harder to connect to their corporate values.?

Creating a Positive Work Environment

Remote work can sometimes cause feelings of stress and unrest among employees due to the blurred lines between work and home. The goal should be to create a more positive work environment. To do this, HR leaders can focus on providing resources that support employees' mental and emotional well-being. Whether it's encouraging mindfulness practices or organizing virtual wellness initiatives, creating a culture around healthy work-life balance is key.?

First and foremost, understand what solutions are available that will have the greatest positive impact on your workforce. There are many possibilities and it isn’t uncommon for organizations to be well-intentioned yet provide tools and resources that ultimately are not utilized by their employees.

Strengthening Relationships?

Remote work can make it difficult to build strong relationships within teams. The lack of face-to-face interaction can lead to misunderstandings, which strain relationships. Furthermore, a recent study showed that close relationships are linked to health as they build certain biological systems that may protect against the adverse effects of stress. HR leaders can take the lead in promoting open communication channels, organizing virtual team-building activities, and creating a sense of team. By creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, employees can feel more connected, regardless of the distance.?

Enhancing Your Digital Offerings

There are innovative digital solutions now available that can effectively bring your remote workforce together, both formally and informally, and help enforce your culture. A more pleasurable digital experience leads to minimizing the stresses we’re experiencing. Additionally, this presents a significant opportunity for organizations to differentiate themselves and improve their ability to attract and retain talent.?

Promoting Empathy and Kindness

When colleagues are physically separated, it can be easier for misunderstandings or rudeness to occur. In fact, a recent study showed that one-quarter of people reported remote work enabled rudeness to “a great extent”. HR leaders can encourage a culture of respect and empathy, reminding employees to be considerate even in virtual settings. By promoting virtual collaboration tools and offering conflict resolution training, HR leaders can increase the likelihood that all employees are treated with kindness and professionalism.

Building Strength After the Pandemic

While the world is still recovering from the pandemic, it's important to remember that the effects of this stressful time remain. Employees may still face personal or financial hardships that impact their well-being and ability to concentrate on work. HR leaders can emphasize the importance of mental health support, provide resources such as counselling services or employee assistance programs, and maintain regular check-ins to ensure the well-being of their team members.

Final Thoughts

The pandemic abruptly changed the way we work and it’s understandable that we’re dealing with unrest. Remote work has done wonders for our professional lives. But, it's crucial to recognize and address the challenges that come with it. As HR leaders, we have been provided with an opportunity to guide our teams through these challenges with a friendly touch.?

Like it or not, our workplace has changed forever and those organizations that embrace and adapt will thrive. By acknowledging our current challenges, creating a positive work environment, strengthening relationships, enhancing your digital offerings, boosting focus, and supporting post-pandemic well-being, we can create a workforce that's happy, productive, and resilient.?

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