To successfully adapt and thrive in this new normal, we can’t simply react to COVID-19-related workplace issues as they occur. Rather, we need to monitor key patterns and trends to predict challenges and effectively, proactively direct our efforts. Real-time tracking and analysis of the employee experience throughout this uncertain time is one of the most effective ways to understand how to support our colleagues in meaningful ways as they adapt to new ways of working and living.
With all of this in mind, we’ve created this space to share our newest findings and actionable insights. In addition to discussing what we’re observing in our real-time data, we’ll also be using this as a forum to let you ask questions and share your topics of interest in an effort to help you and those most important to you not just survive but thrive.
We encourage you to come back daily to see the latest findings on how employees are feeling about working from home through the coronavirus pandemic, plus Microsteps and solutions from Thrive Global to help you stay healthy and productive while working via remote.
April 8, 2020
Insight of the Day:
28% of employees report needing, but not currently having, support from their employer around how to manage their current workload.
The importance of close relationships and feelings of belonging, connection and support cannot be understated—particularly during challenging times such as these.
Decades of scientific findings in the fields of psychology, psychobiology, epidemiology, and more highlight myriad ways in which interpersonal processes can and do influence individuals’ attitudes, beliefs, goals, motivations and behaviors, as well as holistic health and well-being.
Higher levels of social integration, for example, have been consistently and causally linked to better mental and physical health, lower rates of cardiovascular disease, and increased life expectancy. Similarly, where social isolation has been found to increase the likelihood of infection, disease morbidity and premature death, strong close relationships have been found to “buffer” the deleterious impacts of stress and illness while boosting immunity and increasing levels of positive affect and holistic well-being.
Relatedly—with regard to work—feelings of social support, connection, safety, and belongingness among teammates and colleagues are among the top predictors of both individual and team performance, productivity, engagement, job satisfaction, advocacy, and retention.
As such, it is more important than ever that we continue to work together to maintain and foster our social ties, as well as a sense of support and connection—irrespective of any literal distance that may be keeping us apart.
Recommended Read:
Interested in learning more easy, actionable, and effective ways to help others manage their stress and anxiety? My colleague Alexandra Hayes’ piece, How Managers Can Help Their Team Prevent Burnout During the Coronavirus Crisis, is a great place to start!
Microsteps:
I’d also suggest trying out a related Microstep (or two)! My personal favorites are great ways to help foster a sense of connection and promote feelings of support even while physically distant.
Working From Home in the New Normal is a data-driven storytelling initiative from SAP and Thrive Global, bringing together insights powered by the Qualtrics Remote Work Pulse with actionable Microsteps and stories from Thrive to help you navigate working from home. Visit daily for the latest data and stories to help improve your focus, prioritization, and well-being.