State and Federal governments in Australia are signalling that shutdown of schools and government offices could continue depending on how the virus behaves, while Australian employers are preparing for a prolonged period of enforced remote working in some states.
Social or physical distancing, the not-very-nice-sounding technique of minimising person-to-person contact, could be the key to containing the virus, but what does it mean for our mental wellbeing?
The art of the check-in
These activities can boost morale, but nothing can replace the care of a co-worker or supervisor. Heightened health concerns, combined with social isolation, increase the need for supervisors to check in regularly with employees.
Research shows that workers are more likely thrive when they feel seen and heard by leadership. When leaders can’t ‘walk the floor,’ they need to be deliberate in setting up time for a genuine ‘how are you traveling?’ conversation. This can even be as simple as keeping the conversation open even if it’s just to say hi and chat about what they’ve been up to.
Overcome the cringe factor
The key is finding activities that fit your workplace culture and replicating these in an online environment. We’re in uncharted territory here: it will seem clunky and artificial at first, but sincerity and authenticity can overcome any feelings of cringe. That’s the thing with leadership: if it feels uncomfortable, you’re probably doing it right.
