After going through trying times, be it a restructure, a pandemic or other major change, it’s hard to get back to “business as usual”.
Further, many people suffer psychological side effects, including anxiety, fear, depression, insomnia, and even post-traumatic stress. Helping them overcome these issues and return to being productive requires a comprehensive approach.
What can you do to improve workplace wellbeing, streamline the company’s resilience, and help your team through the recovery period?
Let’s take a closer look.
Put effort into communication
To improve communication after challenging times:
- Encourage input from your employees (make sure to act on it, so they understand that they are being heard)
- Check-in with employees regularly so they can feel your involvement
- Cut down on online meetings and encourage more one-to-one conversations
- Diarise “moments of communication” to your daily or weekly routine
To make sure your staff feels supported, you may have to tweak your communication strategies. No two workplaces are the same and your people are in the best position to tell you what they need. Implement a two-way communication approach and listen actively, so employees understand that they are being heard.
Focus on employee wellbeing, health, and safety
After any period of change or challenge, it’s imperative to highlight the importance of employees’ wellbeing, health, and safety. Employees take their cues from you. If a manager is neglecting their own health and wellbeing, employees may feel that is the expectation. Ensure them that their mental and physical wellbeing matter by:
- Focusing on recognition and praise. This will not only boost staff morale but create a true team environment
- Encouraging friendship development at work. Beef up team-building activities, or make time for a coffee catch up
- Allowing your staff to keep working remotely one or two days a week
- Implementing flexible work hours to improve work/life balance
- Supporting health initiatives like a workplace gym or bike to workdays
- Rethinking employee health benefits
Manage your employees’ wellbeing and morale by providing ongoing support and understand each person’s individual needs.
Invest in employee training
If you want to support your staff during challenging times while improving productivity, consider investing in training. This can keep your employees focused on company goals. Meanwhile, it will show your interest in their career growth and individual success.
You may also want to consider arranging proactive and preventive workplace mental health training for team leaders and HR managers. This can help you create a mentally healthy company culture while improving communication between employees.
If you have a limited budget, consider forming a mental health employee resource group. It can help increase awareness and offer peer support.
Reinforce company values
If your company culture is strong, it can help improve employee wellbeing and get your staff back on track. Reinforce company values, mission, and goals to make sure your entire team understands what they’re working for.
- Recognise employees who exude company values
- Create new traditions that align with your values
- Lastly, foster an inclusive and caring environment
The key to helping your employees recognise your company’s mission once again is leading by example. Show your interest and involvement in the work process and demonstrate support of the company culture.
