3 Questions to Ask Yourself to Prevent Unrealistic Expectations of Your Team During Covid_19
By Hannah Whitesides, Retreat Leader & Fear Management Specialist for our Company Virtual Retreats
Covid_19 has been extremely difficult for everyone. This pandemic has acted as a nuclear bomb on our mental health and many people don’t know how to recover. The stigma around mental health has taught us that we must ignore it and get the job done. However, in a time like this people are starting to realize that that’s not possible.
As company leaders, it’s crucial to treat your employees as people rather than money makers. Acknowledge that they are probably struggling mentally during a time like this. Ignoring this issue only perpetuates the problem and hurts the overall company productivity and team morale. What are you doing to ensure you are protecting the success of your company and the mental wellbeing of your team? Are your expectations reasonable in a time like this?
Here are 3 key questions to ask yourself to prevent unrealistic expectations of your team during Covid_19:
(If your team is working from home) Does this employee have a home life that allows them to be successful in their role?
Do they have the resources such as a decent internet connection? A computer? Do they have what they need to successfully carry out tasks and duties?
These questions are essential in determining how productive this person is able to be from their home. If they don’t have the resources it’s going to be extremely difficult for them to perform at the level they do in the office.
If you don’t know these answers, ask! They will be grateful that you’re taking an interest in their productive capability. Team members typically want to do well and it can be embarrassing for them to admit they do not have a conducive home environment to do so. Lead with empathy as you understand what obstacles they may be facing.
Based on observations, how is this employee doing mentally?
Here are some signs to look for if they are struggling mentally: Loss of interest, increased fatigue, nervousness or restlessness, trembling/muscle twitching, changes in appetite/weight, and uncontrollable emotions.
You won’t be able to notice all of these, especially if your team is working from home. However, be on the lookout because then you are able to assess the situation with them privately and determine if there is anything work-related that you can do to provide assistance.
How many employees are women on the team and do they have children?
According to the CED, “Working mothers have particularly borne the burdens of disrupted or less reliable in-person child care and schooling arrangements during the pandemic.” Because of this, Covid_19 has set women back from fully contributing to the workforce because of this.
While it is entirely possible for men to take on this role, we are simply reiterating what statistics have shown and it is women who are taking the hit. If your women employees are struggling, try assisting them by providing flexible hours or potentially extending temporary paid-leave programs. Perhaps considering connecting them with resources who can provide them with childcare support.
As leadership, you are going to have to be more flexible and understanding with your employees during the pandemic. We are all struggling, but a little can really go a long way. That is what differentiates a good team from a great one!
****
Project Passport is a proactive mental wellness company that aims to bring mental wellness retreats, workshops and other services to company teams. We also help women create joy in their lives every step of the way. To learn more about our company retreats and services, click here. To learn more about our tribe community for women, click here. Our travel retreats will resume in the future as the world reopens.