5 Ways To Keep Employees Motivated And Engaged During The Current Crisis

Meeting employees’ physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization needs

The COVID-19 situation is unlike anything we have seen before. Working from home is the new normal. While employees are adjusting to the nuances of remote working, it’s essential for businesses to focus on ways to keep them engaged, motivated, and connected. It is time to be innovative and introduce initiatives to enhance employees’ skills and confidence. 
 

Organizations can leverage Maslow’s hierarchy theory to gauge and fulfill employees’ needs in this new working ecosystem. The theory outlines a five-tier pyramid of human needs (physiology, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization), suggesting that when the bottom-tier needs are met, then one can focus on the upper end of the pyramid. The global pandemic is impacting people’s physiology and safety. Organizations can build on this and motivate employees by addressing their basic and advanced needs. 

Some of the recommended ways are as follows: 

1. “Trust is the highest form of human motivation. It brings out the very best in people” – Stephen R. Covey

As the world is in flux, it is critical for organizations to have faith in their employees. People are struggling with the sudden integration of work and home. 

Assign measurable tasks to employees and allow them to work without micromanagement. Entrusting your employees through this difficult phase will create a more dedicated workforce when the crisis subsides. 

2. “An employee’s motivation is a direct result of the sum of interactions with his/her manager” – Bob Neilson

It is imperative to be available for the employees, providing guidance and addressing their concerns. 

Maintain the fine line between communicating and over-communicating. At an organizational level, this is the perfect time to increase the frequency of internal communications – business updates, changes in policies, safety and security measures, and management interactions. 

3. “People start to heal the moment they feel heard” - Cheryl Richardson

Remember that your employees may not be comfortable in openly asking for help, but they require support and guidance to ease their anxiety. 

Be readily available to counsel and support your team members and colleagues. Empathy and compassion go a long way in maintaining a positive work environment. 

4. “Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there” - Will Rogers

Employees have embraced the new normal style of working over the last few weeks, with many of them operating in a remote environment for the first time. For some, the most productive hours of the day may have shifted as all tasks are not replicated when transitioning to a work-from-home environment. 

Allow for flexibility to adapt to changing work dynamics, not only to improve efficiency but also to avoid stress.

5. “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity” – Albert Einstein 

This may be the perfect opportunity for employees to explore tasks outside of their daily routine. The time can be utilized to hone a skill or work on some voluntary projects. This is also an opportunity for organizations to engage in community service and inspire a sense of social responsibility in their employees. 

Identify capability enhancement needs and design training programs accordingly. Introduce some virtual fun activities to keep your employees engaged.

Seize the moment and use this as an opportunity to invest in your employees’ skills, boost their confidence, and build tomorrow’s leaders!

Surender Jeet Raj is Senior Vice President, HR Operations, at Newgen Software. Visit www.newgensoft.com  Connect Surender Jeet Raj