Permanent crisis; that extended Period from Instability And insecurity, especially resulting from a series Of disastrous Events – Collins English Dictionary 2022 Word of the Year.
With such a long period of political, economic, social and environmental challenges continuing, it is no wonder that many of us are feeling anxious as we enter the new year. So, what can you do to better support your colleagues and yourself during this time? Here are some practical tips to start 2023 on a positive note as we deal with the ever-present crisis.
1. Create certainty. In times of change, people like certainty – create some where you can. These can be the small things – like sticking to regular team appointments, having tea or coffee together on Monday morning, or sending “thank you on Friday” messages to those who went the extra mile that week, or to someone you don’t want. Don't usually remember to thank.
2. Have a clear business plan – And deliver them as early in the year as possible to reduce the sense of threat the unknown can bring. Refer back to the plan regularly to keep everyone focused and on track.
3. Promoting teamwork – Not just a team building exercise, but regular shared moments. The old saying, “A problem shared is a problem halved,” still holds true – especially when navigating choppy waters. Can you encourage your team members to present the challenge to the group with the aim of brainstorming and solving it together? Do you want to create a buddy program by pairing a new starter with a more experienced colleague during their first three months in the position? Or start a regular “walk and talk” lunch session, as one of WorkLifeWell’s clients, CDS Global, recently did.
4. Be available – Make time in your week for visits and/or If you have regular follow-up periods, take the first 5 or 10 minutes to dedicate time to communicating more broadly about what's happening in your colleagues' world.
5. Support the growth of new skills. During times of crisis, we often focus on all the immediate threats, but remembering to make time for personal growth for yourself and your colleagues can bring a sense of positivity, accomplishment, and creativity at a time when we need it most.
By focusing on the shared human experience, we can use times of crisis to bring colleagues together and create a stronger culture, enabling us to meet challenges with greater flexibility and innovation to adapt.
How are you supporting your colleagues during this time of uncertainty? We would love to hear from you and the best tips will be published in the next blog!
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Author: Jane Burton | Wellness Specialist | Work life okay
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