LOCK DOWN :: EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

I was in discussion with a friend of mine, who is a founder of a company, and we stumbled over the topic of employee morale and engagement during these trying times. I shared some thoughts with him which he found very useful and insisted that I share it, so that people can benefit from this.

As lockdown regulations are getting relaxed, some employees are rejoining office for work while some continue to WFH. It is important for corporates to be aware and sensitive of the current state of mind of their employees at this juncture.

With the current change in dynamics of working and Businesses going through its own challenges , Management & Stakeholders need to be aware that their Employees too may be going through various degrees of anxieties, exhaustion, stress and health challenges. Many might not speak of it openly.

It is an extremly delicate situation and is thus, the time for Corporates to step up and oversee their employee’s engagement and health.

Why so ?
Employees are your Biggest and most Valuable Asset !

Here are some thoughts to ensure that your organisation stays on top in displaying empathy and care, thereby upholding values, giving respect to their employees and increasing their morale.

 • Be transparent and open to employees regarding the company’s current situation.

 •  Identify and equip managers with strong emotional quotient – Very Important . ( Remember, the need of the hour is to choose a performing manager with empathy and not aggression )

 • Incase you are parting ways, ensuring it’s handled with empathy and find ways for post employment support. ( You could provide recommendations or introduce them to consultants. Reassurances to eligible people that they would be taken back at the earliest opportunity is also advised. (Have a team to connect with them in a month’s time to see if they are settled)

 • Ensure Salaries are paid to all- Extent to be
evaluated and worked out based on Band and Slab. Ensure that every home’s basic needs are taken care of.

 • It is desirable to write a personal appreciation note to all employees who went an extra mile to support the company during the lock down. (The note could preferably be sent from the senior management to the employee’s spouse or parents)

 •  Showcase your employee’s contributions on multiple occasions or events through social media, hall of fame, notice boards or any other such platforms. This creates a more involved and appreciated sentiments.

 •  With the changing dynamics of the organisation, identify the skills that are needed to be enhanced by each employee thus ensuring maximum efficiency.

 •  Engage in planting ambassadors to ensure there is always positive factuality with respect to the company and its employees. Kill loose talks.

 • Management should have regular interactions with employees, updating the progress as well as expectations. ( Their success stories and journeys can also be shared to create a better sentiment of involvement )

Keep all employees adequately engaged and appreciate productive work. Keeping an eye on this is critical. Focus on delivery.

 • Have a one-on-one with the employee at least every week initially and gradually increase the duration.
*Skip levels for all and especially for those who work from home.

Let these small steps to enable and support help to take giant leaps in times ahead.

Needless to mention, with employees by your side, the biggest of challenges can be overcome with ease.

Wishing Happy times ahead !!