How to keep team morale on a high in the ‘new normal’
One of the biggest challenges businesses are currently facing, including the PR sector, is uncertainty. The pandemic situation is developing rapidly with changes to legislation, rules and protocols being introduced every week. Confusion is rife and this is unsettling. Business leaders need to navigate these changeable times with caution and consider how to effectively motivate their teams remotely as they adapt to the ‘new normal’.
Honesty is one of the cultural cornerstones of our business. Before the crisis, we always had an open line of communication between the team. This has become more important than ever and in times like the current crisis, it just goes to show how internal communication is key. We are engaging with the team more than ever and sharing what actions have been taken and what preparations are being made for the future.
PR is an ‘always on’ industry and one where you often have to work outside of conventional office hours due to the nature of the media. However, with the team working from home it can be difficult to have some ‘me’ time. We have encouraged everyone to make a dedicated working space - and the business has provided equipment for this, based on each individual. This is as much as about health and safety as it is wellbeing. It gives some sense of separation from work and home life which is important when you cannot do all of the things you usually do outside of work.
Keeping on track of objectives and goals is still important. Just because we are not in an office it does not mean reviews and personal development objectives have gone by the wayside. It is important to maintain some semblance of normality. During this strange time, it is inevitable that priorities have changed - so it is paramount that the team are aware of what is required collectively and individually. We have carried out monthly reviews over video call to ensure everyone knows how they are performing, what is expected of them and our people feel like they are still working towards those important promotions and pay rises.
It is not all work, work, work. Whilst many people believe PR is all about champagne-fuelled parties and social butterflies, it could not be further from the truth. That being said, when we are in the office we do enjoy socials – team drinks, lunches and trips to the pub. A recent study from ACAS found that seven out of ten workers were missing social interactions with others at work. We have tried to maintain the social side to the business and have also found new ways to keep connected. Every morning each team member takes it in turn to host a quick-fire quiz. This gets everyone ready for a busy day ahead and is a chance for the team to catch up before we start work. We also host regular Zoom drinks at the end of the week to reflect and look back at our achievements for the week and goals for the next week.
Keeping team morale high when your normal working environment has changed can be a test. But for me, there is no magic formula to good leadership – it is all about being able to adapt and pivot quickly, having integrity and a clear focus on the end goal, despite the challenging times we currently find ourselves in.