All companies go through difficult times, which may involve cutting costs or laying off employees. It is crucial to foster an engaging, supportive environment during these times to help keep employees on track.
Harvard Business Review offers the following steps you can take to motivate your team during tough times.
- Show you can discuss difficult topics. Working through difficult things together can be valuable. Have honest conversations to help build trust.
- Get creative about motivating people. If there are no promotions and raises available, it can be difficult to keep people engaged. Ask your employees directly: What would motivate you during the next year? How can I support you?
- Help your team stay focused. Check in with each team member regularly. Employees will feel connected if you make more time for them weekly or even daily.
- Watch for burnout. Struggling through difficult times can lead to overwork and exhaustion for you and your team. Although paid time off and flexible scheduling can help, it also is crucial to foster an empathetic, psychologically safe culture that supports everyone.
