How to help employees cope with lockdown

‘Business as usual’ has been a term rarely uttered since the UK was plunged into lockdown back in March 2020. As a result, workers across the nation have witnessed the day-to-day nature of their roles changed dramatically.

The shift to home-working has brought with it various challenges, both from a technological point of view, and workers’ wellbeing. Here we take a look at how your company can help its employees cope with national lockdown measures.

What did lockdown teach us?

The changes brought about by the initial lockdown saw readjustments that many businesses were wholly unprepared for. Many employers struggled to implement new technology to facilitate remote working, while others saw financial challenges due to a drop in business.

The valuable lessons

Surprisingly, 65% of HR experts we surveyed found it ‘easy’ or ‘very easy’ to enable home-working for their team. Furthermore, 80% utilised video communication services in order to boost employee morale. 

The figures come from a poll carried out by our team of Talos recruitment experts, and give a valuable insight into the challenges faced as businesses moved to cope with restrictions.

The critical challenges

While initial results were positive, showing resilience to technological obstacles, 70% were concerned about employee morale during lockdown. 63% felt that home working had a negative impact on morale, with the often isolating nature of lockdown taking its toll on employees’ mental health.

These figures are less surprising, given the level of coverage in the media on the dangers posed to employees’ mental health.

Where should HR focus its efforts in lockdown?

Given the lessons learned on advantages and disadvantages of home-working, it is crucial for employers to evaluate their focus. 

Reduced employee morale not only leads to a reduction in productivity, but can also lead to lower job satisfaction, mental wellbeing, and worker retention.

While employees are by now more familiar with national lockdown measures, this may not make the reality of coping with it any easier. It is therefore crucial that workers are offered support in maintaining morale through the support of their employers. 

How can we promote employee morale in lockdown?

As companies, we must recognise the importance of putting employee morale at the forefront of our operations. An unhappy team will never achieve the same results as one that is comfortable, supported, and satisfied. 

The second lockdown is not an easy time for any of us, but there are a number of ways in which employers boost worker morale throughout the period. These include:

Regular meetings and check-ins with employees

While many of us are working from home, it is impossible to have a normal level of interaction with colleagues. However, the impact of regular morning/evening meetings and check-ins can increase employee morale significantly. Recognising that, although they may be working alone physically, their team is still present, can further encourage drive and productivity.

Utilise video communication software to boost morale

While email/instant messaging tools can certainly make our lives a lot easier during lockdown, they are certainly no replacement for a face-to-face chat. Using video communication software to check in with your employees as a manager can make the home-working environment seem less alien. 

Allow flexibility for employees 

The effects of lockdown on national mental health has been unprecedented. Not only have people been cut off from friends and family, but fear of the virus also causes added stress. Allowing employees flexibility during this time is crucial to maintaining a comfortable, supportive work environment. Putting too much pressure on employees may be counterproductive, and may, in turn, reduce their productivity. Encouraging employees to stick to their contracted hours, breaks, and weekends, is vital to any home-working setup.

Provide an understanding ear for employees’ concerns

Allowing employees the freedom to open up about their concerns is an important step in maintaining morale. Fears of redundancy, illness, furlough, or financial trouble can cause employees stress, and affect their working life dramatically. Asking a simple ‘how are you?’ can be a small but powerful step in supporting your employees on a personal level.

More advice on mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak can be found on the Mind website.

Take care of YOU

As HR professionals, it is easy to get caught up in the responsibility that you hold for your colleagues’ wellbeing. However, it is incredibly important to consider your own emotions, stress levels, and worries during this period just like any other.

Make sure to give yourself the time and space to relax, stick to your contracted hours wherever at all possible, and most of all: look after yourself. 

For more insightful guides on this topic and more, click here to register for 360’s upcoming webinars.