We are going through tough times due to Covid19 and as leaders, you need to acknowledge that.
Although time is tough, I have seen many leaders and companies going out of the way to tackle the COVID-19 challenges with such creativity, heart, and kindness. In these uncertain times, how you treat your colleagues will be remembered for years to come.
What can we learn from them? What can we do as leaders? Here are my thoughts.
As leaders, the most important question we should ask in every standup/meeting is - "How is everyone doing, physically and mentally?". Ensure team that you are with them and tell them to take good care of themselves and their loved ones. That's priority 1 for them & for you and your business too!
Taking care of your colleagues is as important as taking care of your business. So what are some things you can do?
Make sure you know who is affected due to this situation and you are giving them all the required support.
If you have a company-wide Insurance Policy vendor, work with them to provide additional coverage for Covid19, if not additional coverage then at least a helpline, a single source where they can get more information, find out about beds, oxygen, medicine availability.
Access to free mental health professionals, via phone or chat, through the Insurance Providers, or via your organizational medical partners.
Make sure people are allowed to slow down to take care of themselves and their loved ones. Adjust your deadlines, dependencies accordingly.
See if you can introduce “Paid” caregiver leave for colleagues caring for an ill family member/s.
Check among your colleagues who have not taken a break for a long time and encourage them to take a break (if needed)
Understand burnout signs early - help people/train them to assess burnouts. Some people may not be upfront sharing about burnout in team meetings, do it 1:1 or train the team to do that in the team, create that culture!
Have more informal chat rooms, WhatsApp groups with your colleagues to discuss these issues. Give them some platform where they can express, talk about it.
While you are doing the best you can remember “Do not spread fear, spread support!” - this is very important. Everything you do is through the lens of care and support.
Remember we are all in it together!
- VJ
Saurabh Poplijust now
Hi VJ, you have listed very important points. As an immediate learning and action, i plan to give more time to my team members to share and express what is happening in their lives and provide support in any way I can. Thanks for sharing this.