Compared to many workplaces, we’ve been lucky here at Acas. Yes, our advisers have had to seamlessly move to remote working while hanging the ‘business as usual’ sign on the door. But we have managed to maintain a valuable service, helping answer our customers’ concerns (calls to the helpline peaked at over 5,000 a day).
1. Being flexible
But, as Alison asked, how do you demonstrate leadership behaviours when you brazil phone number library might only see staff via Zoom? The answer, as Susan suggested, is to empower your managers to make more decisions locally. Leaders at all levels need to try and eliminate as much uncertainty as possible, but this inevitably involves an element of figuring it out as you go along. There simply hasn’t been time for HR and managers to rewrite all their policies in order to reflect new working practices. Flexibility is vital.
2. Being human
Alison made the point that leaders who show some personal and professional vulnerability adb directory help engender relationships based upon trust. And, as Susan remarked, although corporate communications have their place, the current crisis does require us to show a more human side.
Being human involves a good deal of listening, and this can be a challenge for century fitness resolves doubts instantly workplaces so heavily reliant on technology to communicate effectively. The tech has been a great enabler of shared experiences and mutual support but as senior leaders we have to be careful not to slip into broadcast mode.
Arguably, emotional intelligence has become even more of a must have, certainly for managers having to deal with heightened levels of stress and anxiety. At Acas, we have offered special training for all our line managers to help promote positive mental health in their staff during the health crisis. But as Susan said, “no one person holds the key to good mental health at work – it is a responsibility shared equally by the employer, the manager and the individual.”