To begin with, covid-19 virus has spread to almost all the countries of the world. As a result, this virus caused a change in people’s lives. Companies, organizations, and businesses have been affected in a big way. When a crisis occurs, companies find a way to handle the situation.
Epidemics have no prediction. With the Covid-19 virus, people have been advised not to be many in one place. Working from the house, thus, is an option many companies have adopted. However, this has become a new problem for managers. Managers have to find ways to motivate staff who now work from home. Here are five ways that can achieve these results.
1. Make plans on ways of communicating
Working from the house means that staff members are not in the office. A manager can’t therefore have a face to face talk with them. For staff to work well, there is a need to have a way of passing messages to one another. Staff members can use computers and phones.
If need be to provide staff with these devices. Ensure that they have the relevant software installed on their devices. Also, encourage staff members to have a good internet connection. Communication like holding video meetings is possible this way. Without enough preparation, it will be almost impossible to pass messages and motivate staff.
2. Develop efficient communication
Inform the staff on plans the company wishes to put in involve itself. Ask the team to give their ideas too. Motivate staff by keeping them informed, so they feel as being members of the company.
Besides, they must know what their tasks are. As a manager, tell them of the duties, and targets for each employee and give enough feedback. An employee who has all the information understands their task. The staff members work better when they have all the details.
3. Motivate staff by fostering a personal relationship
Covid -19 pandemic has brought tension and stress to people. Family members are sick or even the team themselves. Be a leader who is caring for every employee. Learn to listen to them and act accordingly. Engage every once in a while with them in an informal chat. Talk to them about how they are faring on, their health, and other personal issues. Motivate staff by making them know you see them first as people before being members of your staff.
A leader should lead by example in times of crisis. Let the team feel your presence through often contact. In these times, when people feel anxious and afraid, it is essential. They will feel that their leader still around, which gives them hope and security.
4.Establish a way to measure and good results
Working from home can cause reduced performance. Some staff members have a hard time performing their functions due to lack of supervision. Ensure there is a way to measure the performance for each person. For instance, hold a video meeting every once a week where each of them presents their work. Identify employees who have met their expectations, appreciate and reward the excellent work. Motivate staff by ensuring you evaluate their work.
Moreover, encourage your team to focus on their personal development. Let them have personal goals and widen their skills. Often, many people focus on what they do well and ignore where they are not doing well. Encourage staff members to take time outside the work environment to grow themselves. For instance, one can enroll in a course online or even practice their existing knowledge.
5. Trust your team to make decisions
Usually when employees are working from their houses, their other duties could get in the way of work. In the home, for example, they have to deal with pets, young children, and house chores. The cases mentioned can cause significant distraction. Therefore, decide with the employees on the schedule that you will observe.
Let the staff make time for the video meetings without fail, for example. A manager could consider performance based on how long they sat at the computer. In short, allow them to develop routines that work for them so long as it does not affect other members of the team.
Focus on whether the employee has completed their tasks or not. Nobody responds well to excess pressure. Often, excessive force results in poor results. Motivate staff by letting them know you trust them to make wise work decisions. When they have that trust, they work better.
Conclusion
During a time of crisis, a company considers its employees’ welfare and work output. Companies have to change the work routines of their staff members. Working from home ensures limited moving around and about. People stay at home to minimize their chances of getting sick. However, this has brought a challenge to the companies that people had to work from the offices. Managers have to ensure they produce results; they are keeping safe as well as motivate staff.