^With the fear of an impending recession, hiring freezes, and mass layoffs, many individuals are experiencing great stress and uncertainty at work right now. Employees want to know whether their job is secure, what they should be doing, and what the future holds.

In times like this, it may be incredibly difficult for managers to build trust in their teams. What information should you provide, and how much of it should you share? How can you be open about the company's problems without discouraging your employees? How can confidence be provided without making misleading promises?

Here are some 8 strategies for assisting your team through times of uncertainty:

‍Keep It Up-To-Date

Because of uncertainty, things are always changing; what is true now may no longer be true tomorrow. That is why, as a manager, it is critical to keep your team members as informed as possible to avoid them getting stressed.

Schedule frequent meetings to keep your staff up to speed on recent strategy changes and actively communicate relevant information as it becomes available. When your employees are sure that you are dedicated to keeping them informed, it may reduce uncertainty and foster a better feeling of trust.

‍Be Open and Honest

While you must be careful with the information you offer, it is critical that you be as explicit and honest as possible. Be candid about the reality that no one, including you, can completely predict what lies ahead, but that you do know the company is doing all it can to provide a solid foundation for the future. 

Make it apparent that the corporation wants you to share what you know by using phrases like "I shouldn't be telling you this" or "don't discuss this with anybody, but..." In order to avoid instilling secrecy and suspicion, make an explicit effort to emphasise that the information you are delivering is coming straight from leadership.

‍Assume Responsibility

When an unfavourable event occurs, be sure to accept responsibility as their leader.

As a leader, it is your responsibility to accept responsibility for the welfare of the whole team, even if it is not directly your fault. Accept responsibility for all actions, good and bad, and your team will begin to trust you.

"Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of those in your charge." - Simon Sinek

‍Prepare for Similar Discussions

It may be challenging for employees when every day is different, and things are continuously changing, so be prepared to have similar talks with your team members about the same pain areas, questions, and worries. 

Try to be patient, even if you believe you've previously discussed this, since your staff may need to go over things many times before they feel more in control. Additionally, be consistent in the information you provide with the team to minimise misunderstanding or misinterpretation. Incorporate employee wellness programs to start such conversations. 

‍Be Confident and Enthusiastic

Because your actions and attitude as a manager may significantly impact your staff, it is critical to show confidence in leadership and excitement for the future. While things are unpredictable and no one knows everything, it is your obligation to emphasise what you do know and how you can best position the team to go ahead efficiently. 

Always endeavour to lead with positivity and acknowledge your team's efforts. Language such as "we've got this" and "I'm so pleased with all the effort our team has done" is an excellent method to foster togetherness and optimism.

‍Activities That Build Trust

Morale is increased via Trust-Building Activities. It's been proved that when individuals appreciate their employees, they're happier and more productive—and this doesn't happen by chance. Providing activities aimed at creating trust in teams is one method to boost morale while also increasing trust.

‍Provide Emotional Support

During times of uncertainty, stress and anxiety are understandable. Take the time to check in with your team members on a regular basis. Begin your weekly meetings by asking how your staff are doing and if there is anything you can do to help. 

Pay close attention to what they are saying and asking so that you can follow up later. As a manager, it is critical to consider your employees' viewpoints and to evaluate what you would like to hear if you were in their shoes.

‍Invest in Your Employees

High-trust workplaces foster holistic development and employee well-being in their teams and members. When growing talent inside the business, they employ a development attitude, providing chances for managers and direct reports to meet and discuss whole-person growth, which includes both a professional and personal emphasis. 

Organisations that invest in their employees are more likely to retain talent and improve engagement. This can include employee wellness initiative, financial well-being programs, and fun wellness activities. 

‍Conclusion

Teamwork flourishes when members trust each other to deliver and match their contributions with quality and excitement. When there is trust at work, everyone always relies on others to provide consistent efforts and solid outcomes.

^The pandemic has forced us to adjust to remote work, blurring the lines between our professional and personal lives. But with vaccinations and the easing of restrictions, the tide seems to be turning, with more and more employees choosing to go back to working from the office. 

According to a recent LinkedIn survey, 78% of Indian professionals are back to working from the office by choice. While remote work has its benefits, such as saving time and money on commuting, most workers miss the informal bonding that happens over a cup of chai during breaks. 

In this article, we'll delve into the findings of the survey and explore the changing attitudes toward remote work, the impact of remote work on career growth, and the importance of informal conversations in the workplace.

Remote Work & Career Impact

While remote work has been a savior for many employees during the pandemic, it has also raised concerns about its impact on career growth. Interestingly, the LinkedIn survey found that 63% of Indians surveyed feel that remote work has no harmful impact on their careers. 

However, for those who work remotely, the survey also highlighted the pressure to overcompensate and prove their commitment to work. With limited face-to-face interactions, there is a fear that employees may lose out on opportunities for career growth. 

The survey further revealed that a similar proportion of employees also believe that their chances of career growth could be reduced if they don't go to the office as much. As remote work becomes the new normal, it is essential to find a balance between the benefits of working from home and the opportunities that come with being in the office.

Back to the Office by Choice

As the world continues to navigate the post-pandemic landscape, the concept of work has undergone a paradigm shift. The new normal is a hybrid work model, which offers the best of both worlds - the flexibility of remote work and the social interaction of office work. 

Interestingly, a recent LinkedIn survey shows that a majority of Indian professionals (78%) are back to work from the office by choice. This is a clear indication of the importance of social interaction and face-to-face communication in the workplace. 

It appears that for many workers, the benefits of working from the office, such as increased productivity and better collaboration, outweigh the potential risks of exposure to the virus. Additionally, 86% of Indians feel positive about working in the office compared to a year ago, indicating that people are beginning to adjust to the new normal. 

As organizations adapt to this new reality, it will be interesting to see how they strike a balance between remote work and office work to meet the needs of their employees and maintain a productive work environment.

Thursday is the New Friday

Thursday has become the new Friday for Indian workers. A whopping 79% of Indians have said that they feel like Thursday is the new Friday. This could be because Friday is the least popular day for workers to go to the office. It seems that Indian professionals are not just working to live but also living to work.

But why has Thursday taken over as the new Friday? Perhaps it's because workers want to spend more time with their loved ones. After all, workers spend more time with family and friends on Fridays. They use the day to unwind, relax, and recharge for the weekend.

As a result, Indian professionals are structuring their work weeks differently. They're prioritizing their work on Mondays and Tuesdays, taking a break in the middle of the week, and finishing their tasks by Wednesday or Thursday. This way, they can enjoy their Fridays with their loved ones.

It seems that Indian workers have found a way to balance their professional and personal lives. They're not just clocking in and out of work; they're making time for what truly matters. And who knows, perhaps in the future, we might have to rename Friday to "Family Day."

The Importance of Chai Break Bonding

Remember those good old days of sipping a hot cup of chai while chitchatting with colleagues at the office? Well, it turns out that we are not alone in missing that bonding experience. According to this survey, 72% of Indian employees miss the camaraderie that comes with a chai break in the workplace.

For many workers, social interactions, efficient face-to-face meetings, and building work relationships are some of the top reasons for heading into the office. In fact, informal conversations with colleagues and team leaders can lead to unlocking new career opportunities and increasing recall value.

But the importance of chai break bonding goes beyond just building social connections. The survey found that impromptu exchanges during these breaks can also help boost long-term career growth when done with intention. As many as 15% of Indian employees reported that they are improving their visibility to management by having informal conversations with team leaders while at work.

Conclusion

The pandemic has undoubtedly reshaped the way we work and interact with our colleagues. As the world slowly adjusts to the new normal, it's essential to understand the changing attitudes towards remote work and the significance of in-person interactions.

At The Wellness Tribe, we understand the importance of employee well-being and the impact it has on overall business performance. We offer customized corporate wellness programs that focus on enhancing employee engagement, improving productivity, and fostering a positive work environment. Our programs include physical fitness, nutrition, mental health, and stress management to ensure holistic well-being.

So, if you're a business owner or an HR professional looking to create a positive and healthy workplace culture, contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve your wellness goals.