3. have casual regular check-ins
Employers could also start a “Morning Coffee & Chat” to have casual chit-chatting sessions with their staff. The rule is simple: no shop talk. To facilitate such conversations, someone in the team can decide on a theme or topic to chat about and everyone has the same amount of time to contribute. The topics could be about the latest blockbuster or TV series, new restaurants to visit or new workout routines to share and try.
4. organise a virtual team experiences
Another fun and social initiative employers could introduce would be an Airbnb Online Experience, to help their staff take their minds off work for a certain period of time. These ‘online experiences’ are conducted through video. Led by a guide or expert, employees can have a different non-work ‘experience’ to recharge their mind and look for new creativity.
Such virtual experiences would include, “zen eating to enrich your life”, an “animal sanctuary virtual experience”, “meditation with a japanese buddhist monk”, viewing “New Zealand nature highlights” and “remote rescue goats”. These virtual experiences can help them to look forward to some semblance of normality once borders are reopened.
Such activities would foster deeper relationships between colleagues, especially when remote working limits social interactions within the teams. This would let everyone feel like they are heard, and encourage them to get to know each other better to form new relationships.
encourage employees to take leave for better work-life balance
During this pandemic, employees tend not to take leave as they are “already at home”. Employees with mental health issues may not be aware of the psychological effects of working from home and may need a time off. Taking care of our mental health is crucial especially in this period of uncertainties.
If you notice that your employee is easily distracted or having troubles interacting with their colleagues, encourage them to take the day off to focus on themselves. You never know when you come across someone who is struggling and sometimes, even the smallest of actions can make a world of difference. Most importantly, encourage them to seek professional help to manage their mental health, or speak to a close friend or family member about what they are experiencing.