Many of our partners and soon to be partners have reached out amidst the chaos of adjusting to COVID-19’s ‘new normal’ to ask for support in ensuring that their newly remote teams have the resources they need to effectively manage the stress and challenges of this transition. We recognize the urgency of our partners’ situations, and Pluma’s video-based solution is well-suited to their needs.
Giving your team members access to an experienced coach who can help guide and support them during this tumultuous period is an incredible resource. As such, Pluma has implemented a Rapid COVID-19 Support Program wherein we can launch up to 200 seats of coaching for an organization within 24 hours. That means if you decide today you would like to provide your team members with access to a coach, they can start their first sessions by tomorrow. For more information please email hello@pluma.co or request a demo on our website at www.pluma.co.
Beyond coaching, here are some of our team’s observations about the biggest issues facing your employees and how you can help:
Balancing working from home without childcare
- Be flexible on hours and timing -- recognize many are at home with children juggling schooling and childcare along with their normal workload
- Consider sending out digital resources for entertaining kids at home -- crowdsourcing suggestions is also a great way to get employees engaged in the task
- Be forgiving of noises and interruptions during calls -- children have minds of their own and if they interrupt or make noise it’s not the end of the world. Use it as an opportunity to laugh with your team
Space limitations and setup issues around working from home
- Some companies are reimbursing employees for the purchase of at-home office equipment -- if you have the budget, making sure your teams have a good chair or other tools is a thoughtful touch
Anxiety about job security and economic performance
- None of us can know the future for sure, but clear communication here is key. Make sure to keep team members abreast of any new goals or updated priorities for the organization
- Consider a video-based town hall or all-hands. Hearing from company leaders (even virtually) is a powerful signal to your team members
Leading their teams from a distance and keeping up morale
- Make sure teams have the video and messaging tools they need to communicate with one another remotely. Platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, BlueJeans, Webex are good to evaluate
- Provide managers and other leaders with suggested resources for leading remotely. As a start, Pluma’s list (which we’ve compiled in partnership with our executive coaches) can be downloaded here
Delegating and prioritizing work in a shifting strategic landscape
- Optimizing communication is key here, as well. What are leadership’s top priorities and how do they flow down through the various teams? Giving people concrete tasks and priorities to focus on can alleviate anxiety. Task management software like Asana or Trello can be helpful with this
- Telling people what ISN’T a priority is often as valuable as saying what is. What are the projects or efforts that should go on hold? Make sure your teams are clear on that front as well
Isolation from their work family and friends
- Organize video conference happy hours. It’s good to make this kind of activity optional, and it can be super helpful for those extroverts who need a little more social time to keep a pep in their step
- Online group games or activities are also a great option for offering a relaxing / fun activity to build camaraderie
- Most gyms and other exercise classes are shut down -- consider providing digital fitness options to employees like Nike Training or Peloton (free and paid options available) as a tension reliever
No matter which steps you decide to take to support your team, there is no panacea. Instead, our recommendation is to aim for authentic communication and empathetic responses. Even just letting team members know that you are thinking of them can go a long way, and should not be underestimated. As always, if there is anything we at Pluma can do to help you and yours, please don’t hesitate to reach out.