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Covid-19 has utterly changed the way we do business. For many companies, it has forced them to disperse their workforce quickly and establish remote working systems and protocols.<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span> Emotional intelligence in leadership is more important than ever. While supporting your team to be productive and focused, you also need to address their authentic concerns and issues. The work-life balance is in disarray, not least as they could have kids home from school and elderly relatives to worry about.<\/span>\u00a0 2) <\/span><\/strong>Technological support<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0 <\/span>3) <\/span><\/strong>Say thank you!<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span>
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<\/span>It\u2019s been a huge task to orchestrate, especially for companies who have previously had few or no home-based or mobile personnel.<\/span>\u00a0
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<\/span>In the clamour to protect your business, it’s vital that you don\u2019t lose sight of the effect this is having on staff mental health and wellbeing. Not least, as you’re storing up long term problems if you have an unproductive, distracted and generally demotivated digital workforce experiencing poor mental health.<\/span>\u00a0
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<\/span>To help, here are five ways to \u2018be there\u2019 for remote workers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>1) <\/span><\/strong>Acknowledge the issues<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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<\/span>Make it clear that you do understand the pressures, and you are ready to listen.<\/span>\u00a0
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<\/span>Next, don\u2019t assume all your remotely working staff are tech-savvy and comfortable within your ramped-up digital workplace. Make it clear that any questions about technology are welcome, and there’s no blame or shame if they need extra support with software or hardware.<\/span>\u00a0
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<\/span>This may sound common<\/span> sense and patronising, but one of the biggest issues in dispersed workforces is feeling \u2018underappreciated\u2019. In fact, that remains one of the main reasons people change jobs too!<\/span>\u00a0
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<\/span>Make sure you recognise and reward employees and encourage project teams to uplift each other too, so no one feels ‘out of the loop\u2019.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>4) S<\/span><\/strong>upport open communication<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0
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<\/span>Your collaboration and communication systems can\u2019t be all business, <\/span>all<\/span> the time. To keep staff happy, motivated and productive, simulate office interaction online. There are some excellent social platforms \u2013 such as Slack, WhatsApp<\/span> and Microsoft Teams<\/span> \u2013 that are handy for commercial purposes. They enable employees to chat with colleagues, breaking down isolation and addressing concerns and questions.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n