Managing a workforce who are now working from home presents many challenges. The management tools you have been implementing need to be adapted to a new way of working. The trust and collaboration that you have built can very easily erode if you do not stay connected to your team. Setting clear expectations and staying as connected as possible will ensure your relationship with your staff remains positive and productive. 

Right now a lot of your staff may be feeling anxious and isolated and need your leadership now more than ever. They are not only worried about their financial future but whether or not they will have a job at the end of all this.  The best thing you can do right now as a manager or boss is to continue to support them through challenging and problem solving tasks.

Here are my top tips for keeping your staff motivated and supported during the difficult and challenging time. 

1. Set clear expectations: Set up a goal setting meeting with each of your team members. Open up their original job description and through it to outline very clear KPIs that they are to work towards. If they have a transparent understanding of what your expectations are for deliverable each week, they will stay focused and motivated on each task. 

2. Give them the right tools: Ensure they have all the necessary equipment they need to perform their jobs. If this means delivering desks, computers, software systems  and stationery to their homes it is a necessary expense to ensure they have everything they need to succeed.

3. Schedule daily check-ins: Use this time to check on their mental health, how they are feeling, what are their challenges that you can help them overcome and what roadblocks they are experiencing to getting their work completed. This will also be a great motivator for them to show up and put their best foot forward to show them how hard they are working through the presentation of their work in progress reports. 

4. Give them a task: Allocate a dedicated task or project to each staff member and get them to present to you once a week with their solutions to the problem.  This gives them something to aim towards and the ability to feel they are contributing to the business. 

5. Friday drinks still exist: Don’t forget about non-work related team bonding. Set up a 4pm Friday Zoom call and have a little fun making cocktails together. 

Don’t forget about you: You will also need support during this time and that’s where a business advisor and mentor comes into the picture. As a dedicated Advisor, mentor and support network for business owners and directors, I am here to help you through more than just keeping your business functioning. Let me be your confidant and support during this time. 

Send me an email or give me a call and let’s talk about how I can help you and your business survive and thrive.