Keeping your employees engaged in uncertain times

Posted on 01 Sep 2023

In our current business climate, uncertainty has become a common thread that weaves through the fabric of many business owners. With economic fluctuations and unprecedented challenges, your employees may find themselves on edge, harboring concerns about job security and the future of their roles. As business owners, it’s crucial to acknowledge these concerns and take proactive steps to keep your employees engaged, motivated, and resilient during these uncertain times.

Remember, its not only yourself as a business owner that will be feeling the strain. Your employees will also be feeling the uncertainty in the air.

When employees feel uncertain about their job security, their productivity, creativity, and overall job satisfaction can be significantly impacted. But you can empower your team members to weather the storm together, enabling your business to emerge stronger on the other side.

The practical strategies below are not new and many of you will be familiar with these tips already and most likely implementing them into your business. By embracing these approaches, you can cultivate an environment of trust, support, and open communication, ensuring that your employees feel valued and motivated, even during times of uncertainty.

• A Positive Work Culture Works Wonders

• • It’s no secret that employees will work better and want to stay with you when the culture is positive. You don’t need to spend huge amounts of money to get here, often the simplest, kindest gestures can help. Addressing each employee every morning – taking the time for a quick chat, ask about their family, their weekend, their hobbies and take an interest in their life.  Make sure everyone takes a lunch break and there is a communal place to relax during this time.  

• • Encouraging collaboration between staff, pair up people who can work together for a common goal and complement each other’s skill sets. When a job is well done recognise that achievement. A little recognition can go a long way with staff loyalty.

• Transparent Communication

• • Communication and updates from management or senior team members is more crucial in uncertain times. Everyone needs to be award of what’s happening and when. Use online chat systems like Slack, or Microsoft Teams and set up specific channels for business updates to make this efficient and ensures everyone receives the same information.

• Professional Development Opportunities

• This downturn isn’t going to last forever. When we emerge from it, are you and your staff going to be in the same place at the same level, or will you come out with more knowledge and skills?

• Professional development opportunities still need to be available to enhance employee skills and engagement. Options can include online training programs, mentorship initiatives, or cross-departmental projects.

• Your people are your greatest asset

• Prioritising your own and your employees' well-being is more important than ever. When you look after your people, your business will benefit.