By Kai Fuentes, CEO of Ebony Marketing Systems
Hope springs eternal as the availability of the coronavirus vaccine becomes more widespread. Still, we are not entirely out of the woods yet. As we transition into the post-Covid era, employers should continue to stay vigilant when it comes to cultivating a work culture where employees thrive both in the office and remotely. Here are 4 ways to do just that:
Beef Up Mental Health Resources
In a study by Blind, an anonymous professional network, 64% of survey respondents said that their mental health is worse than it was pre-Covid. In another Blind study, more than half of the employees surveyed said they experience feelings of loneliness and isolation while working from home.
Covid-19 has traumatized all of us in some way; providing mental health resources and better access to health care is critical to encouraging a solid post-Covid staff.
Provide Time, Time, and More Time
Covid-19 has demonstrated that employees can be just as productive from home as they are in the office and, as such, many companies aren’t pushing their staff to come back to in-person work environments full time. Employers will face stiff competition in finding and keeping talent if they don’t offer time flexibility post-Covid. If you want to keep the talent you have, it is essential that you provide more flextime, part-time, work-from-home, and other non-traditional schedules as a central part of your policies from now on.
Have Empathy
In a recent report, McKinsey & Company found that the need for emotional skills will outpace the demand for cognitive skills in the workplace through 2030. One of the most important of these emotional skills is empathy. The ability to listen, to put yourself in your employees’ shoes, and to respond with compassion and honesty will be vital to maintaining worker morale. In turn, cultivating an empathetic workplace culture must be a top priority as workers return to the office.
Be Authentic and Positive
As an owner there have been times when I’ve struggled with my own mental health. Being honest and real shows that I am also human and struggle like everyone else. It has been challenging sharing my vulnerable side, but it has brought our team closer than ever.
What new skills, concepts, methodologies, or values are you bringing to your leadership style in a post-Covid world? If you are an employee, what qualities are imperative to your success; what can leaders do to stand out and go above and beyond so as to provide the most supportive, authentic, and empathetic workplace possible? I’d love to hear your comments below!
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