Keeping the Force Strong

Boosting team morale amidst the global pandemic
By: Aiya Rodjel, Senior Editorial Associate

We’re all embarking on uncharted territory as the whole world battles with the COVID-19 pandemic. Companies worldwide have been affected by this virus, not just in terms of revenue, but also their business models. The work-from-home setup has become the current standard for most companies, not just for every employee’s safety, but as a collective effort to help #flattenthecurve. The social media giant Twitter even went so far as to announce that their employees can work from home “forever” if they wish to do so.

However, working-from-home work does have its downsides. As per Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research’s (SIEPR) Nicholas Bloom, working alongside our kids (if you have them), in unsuitable spaces, with no choice and no in-office days could create a productivity disaster for firms, and in turn, threaten economic growth for many years. This is on top the general worry amidst the uncertainty in these trying times.

With all these factors taken into consideration, boosting employee morale and wellbeing is essential in order to help keep the whole team productive and energized to keep afloat. Here are some tips organizations can adapt in order to keep their workforce strong:

Keep employees informed. Communication is key. It is essential that employers keep in regular contact with their workforce throughout this period. Email updates should be clear and concise focusing on important pieces of information that will keep employees up to date. The team leaders should also consider creating groups in messaging apps like WhatsApp or Viber to allow employees in touch with one another.

At TeamAsia, we keep our work family connected through our daily Morning Pop-Up calls. Not only do we provide company quick updates through this tradition, we keep things interesting with new and fresh topics everyday in order to engage everyone to share. We cheer each other on, and empower one another to seize the day, and get the job done. We also have virtual town halls to provide more comprehensive information to the entire team, as well as encourage discussions in order to keep the team strong and well-informed moving forward.

Make it personal. In addition to organization-wide communications, leaders in the team should schedule one-on-one check ins with each team member. As per coaching expert Elizabeth Grace Saunders, these meetings give an opportunity for each employee to address personal concerns in private. This would also make employees feel valued as individuals, and provide some emotional support. It is normal for employees to feel lonely, and reaching out to them will make them feel like their leaders care for them.

Have virtual fun together. According to team building experts at TeamBonding, encouraging your team to engage in some online team building activities brings out their competitive spirit, and builds group rapport. Playing together will help increase communication, motivate your team, and build your virtual organization culture that will be useful later on when there’s work to be done.

We, at TeamAsia, have weekly Quiz Nights every Wednesday afternoon to help our team destress, enjoy healthy competition, as well as learn new things, and forge stronger relationships. Just because you’re physical  distancing doesn’t mean you can’t spend virtual quality time together as a group. 

Ask for feedback. While it is the organization’s mandate to set rules within the group, they should welcome their workforce’s suggestions. Employees may have brilliant ideas over how the business should be operating for optimum efficiency, and good propositions on how to improve things. Proactively asking for employee feedback shows that their leaders value their thoughts, and the issues that they may have, according to global analytics and advice firm, Gallup.

Be flexible and empathetic. When the nature of the organization allows rooms for flexibility, employers should consider allowing employees to vary their working hours to suit their new work arrangements. As per Harvard Business Review, allowing some employees to work before their children are awake or after they have been put to bed would be beneficial, and would show that their team leaders care about their employees’ personal lives. If an employee is having personal problems, the company should be empathetic, and help him or her, if possible. Organizations should understand that working from home presents a lot of challenges, and showing some compassion would encourage employees to work hard, and be more productive.

An organization is only as strong as its workforce, and boosting employee morale is key to a resilient and productive team. Treat your people with kindness and respect, and they will be empowered not only to perform well professionally, but also to become the best versions of themselves.

What is your organization doing to boost employee morale? Share your stories with us at info@teamasia.com.