With all of us hoping to put the pandemic in our rearview mirror, companies are developing strategies for the next normal that encompasses a hybrid model of in the office and work from home.
As an executive coach I am talking with leaders in a variety of industries, about what this next normal looks like for their teams.
Instead of thinking of this as a return to normal, think of this as an opportunity to reimagine the culture you create for your team.
With the fear, disruption, and uncertainty the dynamic workplace represents, it is the leader’s responsibility to reimagine the culture and transform this into a place for their employees to thrive!
Let’s look at three strategies that will help you reimagine your team’s culture in the next normal.
Generate Joy in the Workplace – We all want happy employees, right? Although we cannot be happy all the time, we strive for a team with a positive outlook that exudes happiness. But you see happiness is externally motivated and is a temporary state determined by people, situations, events, etc. On the other hand, joy is internally motivated. It is where employees feel like they are making an impact and working on the things that matter.
Fuel your employees by helping them discover their passion and bring not only happiness but joy to their everyday.
Create a Safe Environment – The disruption caused by yet another change in how employees work and interact may leave them feeling apprehensive. While on the job safety is paramount, what I am suggesting is psychological safety where your team feels they can step out of their comfort zone and seek new challenges. Take the time to offer positive reinforcement for your team’s efforts. Provide opportunities for them to take calculated risks and explore new and exciting endeavors free of repercussions. When you empower your team in this manner, they are learning and growing with the needed safety net to be successful.
Establish an Open Space – I am not referring to the physical environment; but rather a space where your team can share their perspective or disagree with one another’s point of view. With a dynamic work environment, employees must navigate the separation across different locations caused by a hybrid work model. As we know, not everyone will see eye-to-eye, all the time, and on every topic. Paving the way for employees to share their point of view and air their differences will make for a stronger team that challenges one another to be their best. Encourage your employees to look for the upside in ideas to show everyone on the team is valued.
With the shift from solely working from home, there may be a sense of trepidation for this new hybrid model of work. Reimagine your culture and your team will Thrive!
Interested in learning more? Register NOW for my next LIVE webinar happening Tue, June 22 where we will share unique strategies for leadership and wellness that will ease the return to work, regardless of the hybrid model you employ.
