ask the expert How can businesses help staff adapt to changes brought about by the COVID-19 crisis? Lindsay Roadnight, Willow Tree Counselling “The first thing employers can do is to recognise that change is inevitable. We live in unprecedented times and the coronavirus is forcing us to make adaptations to our working routines and lifestyles. Some of these adaptations will be temporary, others may be permanent. Getting our heads around this “new normal”, what it looks like and what it means in practical terms, is something we all need to do. Looking after staff “For many business professionals, this is a stressful time. Some are experiencing increased feelings of isolation and anxiety, especially those who have been furloughed or forced to work from home. That’s why employers must renew efforts to engage with all members of their workforce. This doesn’t just mean checking in with them to discuss progress on business projects. Employers should think about the nature of their staff. Are they a sociable bunch? Do they get on with one another? If so, employers could organise a social catch-up via Zoom or create a What’s App group so employees can post conversations and images of their life in lockdown. “Employers should also acknowledge that staff may be experiencing feelings of fatigue
due to working from home. In the office or factory environment, they can catch up with colleagues over a cup of tea or get some exercise walking to the printer or the café over the road. Managers should make a mental note to encourage employees to take breaks regularly when working from home. “In this fast-changing world, employers need to be kind to their staff by keeping expectations reasonable, allowing autonomy in the role where possible, trusting that they’ll get the job done to a decent standard, and resisting the urge to micro-manage from afar. They should also be kind to themselves so they’re in the best frame of mind to help their staff. In a crisis, there’s a tendency for those at the helm of a business to work harder, not smarter. I’ve reduced my hours to stave off fatigue and it has been worthwhile, making me more alert and effective during the hours I do work. It is good to talk “I’m currently conducting my counselling sessions via Zoom, which is great, although this does reduce the effectiveness of nonverbal communication such as body language. Work levels have remained healthy but it’s important to remember that counselling doesn’t just benefit people in
times of crisis. If something doesn’t feel right, even during the good times, it makes sense to talk to someone about it. “COVID-19 will bring lasting changes to the way we live our lives, with more remote working, automation of work processes and greater adoption of technology. Good communication between employer and employee has therefore never been more vital – both now and after the coronavirus has passed.” •••• Lindsay Roadnight runs Willow Tree Counselling. She works with clients from a wide range of backgrounds, offering short and long-term therapy, and accepts referrals from individuals as well as employers. Lindsay also runs workshops and offers business support for counsellors, particularly those in private practice. She is a co-founder of the local networking group, The Counsellors Community, a monthly meet-up in Kingston upon Thames for anyone who is a counsellor or studying to be a counsellor in the local area. For more information visit www.willow-tree-counselling.co.uk
Support Your Business And Employees
Uncertainty and change affect us all differently. Get in touch to see how I can support you and your employees. www.willow-tree-counselling.co.uk/business_support The Royal Borough of
Kingston
Chamber of Commerce
counselling@willow-tree-counselling.co.uk
07496 784 532
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