Times are tough for a lot of people. In times of uncertainty or change, strong communication from leadership is crucial. Fortunately, there are a few key messages that can help boost morale, build trust, and keep everyone aligned with organizational goals. Here is what your employees need to hear.
“Thank You”
It’s easy to get caught up in all the day-to-day drama and forget the little things. But a simple note of thanks can go much further than you might imagine. You can send a group email after completing a big project or simply say “thank you” when you catch an employee doing particularly well. Either way, as long as it’s genuine, it won’t be soon forgotten.
“We See You”
Employees need to feel seen and heard, especially during uncertain times. Yet this is one of the key messages that is most commonly overlooked. In this case, though, it’s not enough to simply say the words. Find ways to show your employees that you are always thinking about them, perhaps through thoughtful project assignments.
“You Matter”
Feeling seen is the first step, but many team members wonder if their presence actually makes any real difference to the company. You can help them feel like they matter by sharing important company data. Did the warehouse team in Indianapolis pull through on a huge order? Or maybe a single general laborer in Chicago came up with an idea that streamlined processing and saved your company thousands. Share those direct impacts with your team members to let them know how much their work truly matters.
“We Have Your Back”
When things get tough, employees need all the support they can get. Let them know you have their backs by addressing their specific needs. Maybe someone’s car broke down and they could use a bus pass for a couple of weeks. Perhaps you have several team members who would really benefit from onsite childcare. Get to know your employees as human beings, and find ways to come through for them when, and how, they really need you the most.