In a scenario of uncertainties and weaknesses, where all our habits and working methods have changed, there all company employees are facing a more critical moment. The lack of quick and effective communication with employees is leading to confusion and mistrust in the workplace. Thus, it must reinvent itself and give its maximum potential to contribute to business stability and to fulfill the ultimate goal of overcoming the crisis with the least possible impact or, even, taking advantage of the opportunities that it brought with it.
How to do it? Through communication, but not just any communication, it must be correct, relevant, empathetic, and temporarily adequate for it to have the desired effect, that is, to nurture motivation, increase the sense of belonging, and strengthen employee loyalty.
If you are still confused! Here we have separated some potential ways to motivate them and communicate positively with employees in times of crisis:
By initiating internal help - What employees value most are those initiatives that demonstrate that the company is not exclusively concerned with meeting its objectives, but also concerned with its well-being and satisfaction. For this reason, it is a great time to let your employees know that you are with them, and you are ready to help as much as possible. Yes! it is complex to commit to help when resources (financial and human) do not allow it, but we are not talking about financial aid, it can be the establishment of schedules for internal meetings, a compilation of activities for children at home or, even, the compilation of the greatest difficulties when working at home together with their respective possible solution.
Communicate frequently - Communicating frequently is something necessary, and that, in countless cases, has not yet occurred. It helps to reduce people's fear of uncertainty and ensures that they have heard and understood the message. Although it can be tiresome to repeat the same information several times, it is essential that everyone has grasped the information. It is even recommended to transmit the message in different ways and through various communication channels. How leaders communicate can ultimately create or destroy employee engagement with their organizations. That is why it is advisable to communicate frequently with employees.
Give feedback whenever possible - Feedback is a powerful tool to motivate the team in times of crisis. Praise and constructive criticism are ways to prevent employees from feeling that their work is indifferent, showing that the functions they perform are essential for the organization. Remember that feedback is intended to encourage employees to develop their activities even better. So, choose the words you are going to use well so as not to discourage them.
Value your employees - Every human being likes to feel valued. For the employees to remain engaged and motivated, it is necessary to reward him for his effort in delivering results. If the company is going through a crisis, it may be difficult to offer a salary increase. However, it is possible to adopt an award and bonus policy for each goal achieved or even fraternization to celebrate the results obtained Show gratitude to employees. Explain that the company recognizes and values ??the contribution of each one. One way to value employees is to help them develop professionally.
Crises can hugely impact a company's finances, brand reputation, and employee loyalty. In those times, your employees depend on you to be their trusted source of information.
Thus, it is necessary, to be honest at all times with the employees about the possible changes that may occur in the company, both in the short and long term. Also, describing the positive results and explaining them to the employees to see what they can do to improve them. Also, training your employees will give them more confidence.
