Ever since we were faced with the COVID-19 threat there is no end to our concerns and the various versions of lockdowns and quarantines are still in place even after the arrival of the vaccine. It will take yet another couple of months for everything to go back to normal and in the meantime, we are trying our level best to cope with the changed circumstances.  In order to ensure operational efficiency and standard work output during the pandemic, it is more important than ever to keep your employees motivated and energized.

In today’s post, you will find a fresh perspective on employee motivation during the pandemic. However, these tips will not only promote workforce wellness during these troubled times but throughout the entire year.

1. Focus on teamwork

Make use of whatever tools you have at your disposal to make your remote employees collaborate for innovative solutions. Video conferencing apps like Skype and Zoom will help to enhance engagement among your workers and also help to mitigate the boredom and isolation that is often associated with working from home. Providing timely feedback to your staff will also motivate them to work harder while showing your willingness to listen to their ideas and recommendations.

2. Recognize good work

This is extremely important when it comes to keeping your staff motivated. There are surely plenty of situations when your employees rise to the occasion and show astonishing ability during moments of crisis. The management should take special care to recognize the employees and if possible reward them for putting in the extra effort.

3. Build a sense of belonging

In order to do this the first thing you need to do is communicate with your workforce more frequently. The more information you share with your employees, the better they can cope with the new circumstances. Always ask your employees for suggestions and do not forget to appreciate their efforts whenever possible. Provide your workers with appropriate guidance about the use of online conferencing tools and educate them on how to manage their time while coping with the tensions at home, at the office plus the added isolation because of the present situation.  A simple message like “How have you been?” or “Is everything all right at home?” will go a long way to demonstrate your empathy.

4. Show them that their work means a lot

This can be easily done by sharing the stories of the accomplishment of the employee. This will not only encourage the employee to work harder but will even motivate other workers to do the same. A few nice words of encouragement on your part will improve the overall experience of your staff and earn you a lot of love and respect.

5. Give your staff the freedom to make decisions

You need to make space for your employees to be agile and versatile and for this reason, you should trust their decision-making capacities as well. Instead of controlling every aspect of their work you need to welcome their inputs and suggestions whenever possible. This is a perfect way of letting your employee know that you trust them.