How to Show Your Team You Care While Social Distancing
Times are tough. There’s no sugar-coating these days. But, when life is rough and everyone’s feeling the same pressures, pains, and concerns and it’s important to show those you work with that you care. You might not see them in office everyday anymore, but as long as you work together - It’s important to keep the camaraderie going. So, when times are tough, make sure you check in with those you work with and show them that you care - Here are a few great ways how...
Schedule Weekly Check-Ins- Whether people report to you or you’re on a team - checking in regularly with one another is SO important. Make sure they’re taking care of themselves, ask about their family, ask about life. Disconnect from your business regime, forget about your to-do list for 10-15 minutes and make time for your team. By prioritizing your team and setting aside time from your busy schedule you can show them you care about them by listening to their concerns, struggles, successes, and goals. And also take the time to get to know them better. You never want team members to feel isolated or excluded.
Send a Gift Card- This is an awesome way to show your team or a co-worker you care. There are so many digital gift cards you can send. And the best part? It’s totally affordable. Everyone can spare 5-10 dollars to spread the love. Great apps that allow gift card sending include Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, Target, and more! For some people, acts of service and kindness go so far and instead of setting aside time, you can set aside a gift card or two and send them effortlessly while you social distance.
Always Lend a Helping Hand- This is huge for people. SO often, people are unsure of changes, positions, work life, etc. And, they feel overwhelmed, lost, confused, and desperate for a helping hand. Lend one! Be there for one another. Take the time to say “Hey, I know you’re struggling - Let me help you.” After all, you are on a team and you all work towards a common goal. “the world of business, where sometimes it feels like everything is on fast-forward, you don’t have enough time to finish your workload, let alone spend time to help others finish theirs. However, helping others gives you the chance to build on the working relationship you have with a coworker. A better relationship among team members is desirable, especially in a team environment where the success of projects depends on members working together. You don’t know when the next time you need help will be, so you can never have too many friends who have your back.” (Interview Success Formula)
Tell Them!- Duh! If you aren’t good with acts of service and don’t have the time for a 10 minute call - Send them a text, email, or message and just tell them yourself. “Hey I appreciate you” or “Hey - Great work today!” It takes seconds to send someone a compliment, word of encouragement or caring message. When you tell them directly they’re able to hear it from you directly that you care about them, they’re important to you, and you’re always there to talk. That can take your team SO far. So often teams disconnect due to a lack of trust and by being that supportive sounding board that is complimentary, available, and honest - there’s no way your team won’t inevitably find success.
Be a Source of Positivity- During dark times like COVID-19 - being positive is everything. Sometimes it’s the only thing that’s getting people through. And, being your own source of positivity can be extremely difficult when everything is in disarray and the unemployment rate rises on the daily. SO, “the benefits of positive thoughts don't stop after a few minutes of good feelings subside. In fact, the biggest benefit that positive thoughts provide is an enhanced ability to build skills and develop resources for use later in life” (James Clear). It’s so true. Being a positive force and team member causes a ripple effect and while you may feel those feelings subside - your positivity could ignite a fire of positivity in those around you. It’s contagious...the good kind of contagious!
What are 2-3 ways you’ve shown your team that you care during remote work and social distancing? Have you done any of the ideas mentioned above or have you gotten creative?