Motivate or Deter: Which Path Will You Take in 2021?

As we move through the first quarter of 2021, and the country begins to emerge from the pandemic, we’re seeing businesses bring their teams back into the office.

Strangely enough, despite the much-anticipated workplace re-engagement, the disruption of getting back on-site has the potential to either spark enthusiasm and energy or dampen spirits.

So why not take control of the moment by reviewing your team for developmental opportunities.

  • It may be that in a post-pandemic environment, your company’s needs have changed – how can you up-skill existing staff members to take on new roles?
  • It may be that in a post-pandemic environment, your company’s needs have changed – how can you up-skill existing staff members to take on new roles?
  • It may be that in a post-pandemic environment, your company’s needs have changed – how can you up-skill existing staff members to take on new roles?
  • It may be that in a post-pandemic environment, your company’s needs have changed – how can you up-skill existing staff members to take on new roles?
  • It may be that in a post-pandemic environment, your company’s needs have changed – how can you up-skill existing staff members to take on new roles?

Look outside the square

The continuous media attention given to COVID-19 and the challenges it has delivered have worn down the spirits of many. Consider helping your team overcome any negative thoughts by looking outside the world they live in.  One way to do this is to engage, either individually or as a team, in voluntary work. While this may sound a little unrelated to building your in-house motivation, it will inspire well-being and build team spirit. As Richard J. Davidson, professor of psychology and neuroscientist at the Centre for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, says, “when individuals engage in generous and altruistic behaviour, they actually activate circuits in the brain that are key to fostering well-being”.   

Offering service to others makes us feel good about ourselves and it switches our attention from ourselves to others… or as psychologist and author Daniel Goleman says, “Doing what’s meaningful — acting on what really matters to a person, is the antidote to burnout”.

Communicate

How ever you choose to get your team back in place and fully engaged, maintain clear lines of communication, so that everyone is on the same page. Whether you’re working full time in the office, full time from remote locations or within a hybrid model, this is critical to reassure staff members, make them feel secure in their jobs and maintain the motivation. Even bad news is better than no news at all, as it prepares and motivates people to pivot as required.

We’re Here to Help

In the wake of COVID-19 businesses are entering challenging times. Managing staff is time consuming and takes creative energy. At the Ayers Group, we’re here to help by taking care of your administrative obligations including your payroll and contractor management. Talk to an expert from the Ayers Group today to find out more about how we can help you.