Welcome, Thank, Support - 3 Invaluable Actions

A statistic that sprung a surprise as I read through the '2021 Work Trend Index: Annual Report' was related to the fact that shrinking networks are endangering innovation. This is part of seven urgent trend every business leader needs to know in 2021 (as quoted in the report).?

As a way forward, as we embark on return-to-work journey, one of the recommendations quoted in the report is to prioritize rebuilding social capital and culture. Absolutely relatable considering the current times.?

Now we all know that teams are more siloed than ever in a digital work world, and on the lines of ‘out of sight, out of mind’ status. For a leader, the biggest challenge going forward is to bring back the ‘Sense of Belonging’ and rebuild the lost social capital. It’s a journey, but time to take baby steps in our efforts to build an Inclusive, Diverse and a Resilient workforce.

What matters most is the ‘Employee Experience’. With eased lockdown restrictions, and as employees start to return to work (with utmost flexibility), this will only improve workplace networks (which today is a distant past).?

As leaders, each of us to need to bring in our authentic self to address the overall well-being of our teams and colleagues. It is such a critical time in the industry where the 3 words take crest precedence. ‘Welcoming’, ‘Thanking’ and 'Supporting' individuals/teams and which needs to be actioned in the most genuine way.

Time to get creative in our capacity to put the 3 words into action. There is no set prescription here, but each of us should reflect on how we can make certain moments special. Few events indicated below will transpire as we return to our workplace, and hence a huge opportunity to leave a lasting impression on teams/individuals.

• Welcoming a new hire who joined during pandemic and visiting office for the first time.
• As a leader, you are meeting someone whom you hired during pandemic and meeting in-person for the first time
• Thanking your team or your team member whom you are meeting in-person after a long time

More than ever, our action matters now…