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5. Management of employees (in crisis)

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Return to December 2020 update

Length: 1.5 min read;  314 words.

Note: The following paragraphs summarize the category of Health and Safety (H&S) observed in September. More information about the specific category from September (and previous months) can be found in the downloaded report(s).The number in square brackets (e.g., [X]) refers to a reference where the reader can find more information about a specific statement.  The references can be found in the References list below, Systematized References page or in the downloaded report.

The volume of discussions about this category decreased 32% in December in comparison to September. In the first months of the outbreak the employers have established the best practices and innovative solutions to accommodate employees’ needs while working remotely. Methods for boosting employee engagement and productivity are further discussed in December. These include: 1) Organizational support (valuing an employee’s contribution by trusting them to take on new and more significant roles in the organization is essential for making an employee engaged in their work; a promotion is an example); 2) Constructive feedback (providing clear guidance on what an employee needs to do to improve their work creates a greater understanding of how they can achieve goals; and it encourages them to work harder but under reduced stress); 3) Fairness (when employees feel that both the material rewards and the procedures for getting them are fair, this gives employees the incentive to work harder); 4) Job characteristics (clarity, in terms of a role and requirements, offers autonomy and a reason to feel motivated and engaged); 5)Training and development (providing adequate training to employees enables them to build skills that enhance their performance – making them feel positive, more confident, and less inhibited – and on their way to full engagement). [351] Strategies to build winning teams: 1) first check your view of the reality of your situation; 2) replace strategic planning with a change process; 3) create the environment and equip people to succeed; 4) be selective in recruiting and building the right team; and 5) personalize your commitment and lead the initiative. [352] Leaders can support their teams during crisis (and WFH)  by 1) getting crystal clear with your expectations; 2) connect beyond job duties; and 3) walk the walk when it comes to boundaries (show your employees the healthy behaviors). [346] Bill Gates suggests putting the employees first, encouraging mental health days and empowering people to be human. [353]

See September Category Summary

References

[346] “Safeguarding your mental health when you’re (still) working from home”, Work Life by Atlassian, Nov. 03, 2020. (accessed Mar. 03, 2021)
[351] “This is how to boost employee engagement”, World Economic Forum. (accessed Mar. 04, 2021)
[352] M. Zwilling, “How the Best Leaders Build Teams With Winning Strategies”, Inc.com, Oct. 13, 2020. (accessed Mar. 04, 2021)
[353] M. Schwantes, “Bill Gates: This Is What Separates Successful Leaders From Plain Old Managers”, Inc.com, Nov. 19, 2020. (accessed Mar. 04, 2021)