Maintaining the workplace culture in a crisis

The drastic and necessary coronavirus measures are putting us all in an exceptional situation that most of us have never experienced before. The strong impact on private and business life makes mutual trust between colleagues and managers all the more important in order to pull together as an organization and get through these times of crisis well.

In order for organizations to maintain their operations, employees need to be supported and motivated. They need to realize - even when working remotely - that they and their safety are the focus. The following recommendations will help you to maintain the commitment and motivation of your employees. But we also show how you can use the crisis to try out new ways of working and show your employees your unwavering trust so that they can master this extraordinary situation together.

Taking responsibility as a manager

The current situation is by no means simple - existing processes, procedures, regulations and agreements can often no longer be implemented. As a manager, this means taking responsibility for the organization's current measures. It's not about pointing the finger of blame - it's about standing up and doing the right thing. Existing practices need to be rethought - and you should stand up for your employees.

Promoting exchange and participation

The coronavirus is unsettling employees: Give them the opportunity to share their concerns and fears, but also their wishes and hopes, on a platform and communicate with each other - and counter the uncertainties in this way. Some employees also have uncertainties and fears about job security: communicate openly, fully and transparently with your employees. Point out facts and figures and the reasons why you are making a decision. Make it clear to them what you currently expect from them - and what you don't.

Involving employees in decisions

Especially in uncertain times, a high level of management credibility is essential. So keep the dialog going and make decisions together with the workforce wherever possible. This applies to both smaller and larger organizations. If joint decisions are not possible, it helps to involve employees in the decision-making process - by listening to their opinions, expectations and concerns with genuine interest.

Show appreciation

Appreciation and recognition are still key issues. Thank your employees for their good cooperation and for being indispensable to the organization's value creation, especially during this extraordinary situation, highlight good ideas and achievements and praise good performance. But taking the time to listen is also a sign of appreciation.

Consider the private situation of employees

Encourage employees to contact a trusted person directly if they are particularly affected by the coronavirus measures. Establish platforms where employees can offer each other help and organize themselves. Be flexible when it comes to working hours in general and meeting times in particular. Take into account the individual (care) situation of the participants.

The crisis as an opportunity to promote agility and digitalization measures

Only a healthy culture of trust will enable your organization and your employees to continue to be innovative and creative. Because nothing blocks innovation more than stress. And without creativity and innovation, we cannot deal with this situation and the necessary change.

Especially in these times, we are all called upon to face this change with courage and to see the situation as a challenge in which new and creative ideas can secure the existence of organizations.