In our final article about “Creating a Better Normal at Work,” we’ll focus on what I think may be the hardest topic – how we spend our time. Time seems to move faster and faster. Before you know it, the week is gone, and then the month, and then the year. It’s hard to figure …
First Steps to Address Racial Prejudice in the Workplace
In recent weeks, we’ve seen a lot of companies speak out against racial prejudice and discrimination toward the Black community and broadcast their corporate support for justice and racial equality. My guess is that, if you were to ask a random company whether they are opposed to racism and discrimination, they would (hopefully) say yes. …
Creating a Better Normal at Work – Money
As we work to create a better future – a better “normal” – it’s time to talk about everyone’s favorite topic (or maybe not) – money! Whether you love budgeting or loathe it, it’s one of those necessary tasks that I would guess you do each year during your company’s budget season. How we spend …
Creating a Better Normal at Work – Purpose
In a previous article, we discussed that, as much as we may be ready for this pandemic to be over and normality to resume, we have an enormous opportunity to intentionally create a better “future normal” rather than rushing back into the old normal. Having that perspective means we’ll need to do some things differently. …
How to Handle Time Off Requests to Protest
My employee just requested time off at the last minute to participate in a protest. The deadline for time off requests has already passed. What do I do? Approve it. There will be times extraordinary circumstances arise that aren’t known before the deadline, so consider this the same way. But I already have other employees …
Creating a Better Normal at Work – Perspective
It seems we’re a bit obsessed with the word “normal.” We talk about what used to be “normal” and the “new normal” and when we can “return to normal.” In the midst of all this chaos and uncertainty, we want to feel grounded. We miss people and experiences. We want to feel comfortable and at …
Finding Work for Your Non-Remote Employees
As the weeks of business closures have turned into months, many employees haven’t been able to work because their jobs aren’t designed to be remote. With restaurants, retail stores, child care businesses, hotels, and a number of other industries, many of their employees are in jobs that are designed to be done onsite. According to …
Retaining Employees During a Hiring Freeze
Hiring freezes are common strategies when companies need to reduce costs. While the concept may easily make sense on the surface, it must be thoughtfully implemented to make sure you retain employees during a hiring freeze. Current employees dealing with an increased workload and no end in sight can lead to decreased morale, burnout, and …
Provide a Living Wage for Front-line Workers
As the weeks of this pandemic stretch on, we’re coming to really appreciate the jobs and employees we rely on to keep our everyday life intact. Certainly, healthcare workers quickly come to mind, and some healthcare jobs will fall into the scope of this article. Our focus today is on front-line workers in a variety …
Simple Guide for Managing the Performance of Remote Workers
Performance management is one of a manager’s most important responsibilities. It helps set the tone for your entire department. Recognizing your high performers while addressing your low performers keeps your employees motivated and moving in the right direction. It tells employees what you’ve determined is important, which indicates the direction in which you’re leading the …