The statements:
Our organization is responding effectively to the COVID-19 situation.
Our organization is clearly communicating what steps they are taking to respond to the situation.
Our organization is providing me with the support I need regarding the COVID-19 situation.
If most of your employees agreed:
This indicates that they are responding positively to the organization's communications about the COVID-19 situation. They likely feel there is clear communication at the right cadence and they recognize the steps the organization is taking to address the situation. This is a good indicator to continue communication cadences with employees with a focus on being transparent and authentic.
If most of your employees disagreed:
This indicates that they are concerned about the organization's response to the COVID-19 situation. Communication with employees may be unclear or not at a cadence that is frequent enough. This situation is changing rapidly and many employees are not experiencing their normal routine, they will need extra touchpoints at this time.
Best Practices for Leaders
Adam Weber, CPO and Co-founder of Emplify, shared these ideas and more in his recent post, How To Lead In The Midst Of Uncertainty.
Take care of yourself
Trust the routines that keep you at your healthiest and fight for those even more right now.
Pause before you act
Make sure you give yourself time to pause, breathe, and digest the information. To gain that clarity, it is important that you process and decide rather than react.
Be authentic
Be your authentic and genuine self. How do you empathize with what your team might be feeling right now? How can you share with them something sincere about how you are feeling?
Be transparent
Be willing to explain your decision-making process and help others understand how you weighed the options. Think through these questions:
How are you thinking about the situation?
What decisions have you already made?
What things are you monitoring?
Care for your team
Put your employees at the forefront of your mind as you make your decision. Ask yourself these questions:
What am I looking for in a leader right now? (And know they are likely looking for those things from you.)
How can I care for my team through uncertainty?
Related Resources We've Found Helpful
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Here are comprehensive considerations for employers, including HR, legal, and medical matters.