As we develop new routines, working from a kitchen table or bedroom desk, deciding whether it is ok to wear athletic gear, most important to our professional demeanor and our mental health, is to remember to keep lines of communication open, and recognize the need to be respectful of others during these times of incresed stress.
INCREASE COMMUNICATION
Communication is key in any work environment, but now that many are working from home, it’s vital. Keep in touch using more than just emails and texts. Make time in your schedule for phone calls or video conferences. Video conferences enable a greater understanding of the intent of a message. It can be easy to misunderstand the intent of hte written word; body language can assist in setting the right tone and delivering the intended message.
In any workplace, the ability to read body language and assess non-verbal cues can shape the way we provide feedback and share ideas. one of the most important things to keep in mind.”
BE RESPECTFUL
It’s especially important to be mindful of what’s happening in the world and the impact this has on the people you work with. As we cope with the effects of a global pandemic, make an effort to be more aware of new challenges faced by those around you. While we are self-isolating, we need to make an effort to be empathetic. People are being impacted by the stress of a change in routine, worries for themselves or loved ones and fears about their financial futures.
Part of this mindfulness involves recognizing the toll of physical isolation. Many of us are likely feeling lonely and lacking emotional support – especially those who live alone.
Reach out to family, friends and coworkers more often, even if it’s just to ask how they’re doing.
Checking in with others signals something we need right now – empathy and compassion. It’s important to make people feel like while they might be physically alone, they are still connected socially.
“Matt Youngquist, the president of Career Horizons, tells job seekers that finding a new position presents the same challenges as taking a product to market. But the product they are selling is themselves.”
Alumni Consulting Services Inc builds and manages corporate alumni networks. Forward thinking companies recognize that former employees are a valuable part of their talent pool. Since 1999, ACS has built and managed alumni network to provide positive returns for both the client company and former employees. Former employees, oftentimes retirees in this graying of the workforce era, are brand ambassadors, they can refer talent and in the ultimate compliment, they return themselves. Companies, particularly in the management consulting industries and in the oil and gas industry, have effectively used their alumni networks as a resource for recruiting former employees, finding that retirees are a valuable resource to fill short term project requirements. These people can return and hit the ground running, as the understand the company culture and policies, and often are working on projects with which they are familiar.