This is the big question of the day. How to stay positive in these uncertain times especially when it comes to the workplace.
Not only have we had a global pandemic for two years, but we also have political upheavals around the globe, an all-out war on European soil and new stories everyday about rising cost of living and inflation.
Feelings of uncertainty is seeping into the best of us. So how do you contain these feelings? How to stay positive?
As human beings we like to be free, we like to explore and see where life takes us. But at the same time, we like some control over our lives and our livelihoods. We need a sense of security.
In fact psychologists would say during times of uncertainty, we crave security.
What does security look like at work?
Although it falls on all of us to set the culture of a workplace where sense of security is in the centre, it is inevitably down the leadership to make sure they are giving the right message.
So here are some key areas where as leaders in your own business you can set good examples:
- Have high levels of trust
- Value your employees
- Exhibit good levels communication
Your staff need to feel that even if they can’t control the outside world and what is going on, they can rely on the great sense of trust within their team and the people they work with.
So, the key element here is to create TRUST.
Toxic work environment does not create trust because people feel they are not being listened to, they feel exploited and not appreciated. There is a sense of not being valued.
Why would you get the best out of people if they don’t trust you?
How to create Trust in the workplace
Research suggests only 50% of employees trusts their leaders and HR teams. This is a small number and something we all need to work on.
If you focus on some key areas, it will help towards creating trust between your staff and between the management and the rest of team.
7 top tips to create Trust in the workplace
-
More education and Training so skills are developed,
When we are learning at school and during our higher education, we all know that everyone learns through coaching.
However traditional bosses think that employees should have done main part of their learning when they start a new job and they need to be “punished” for doing a bad job.
When you coach an employee, you spend time with them and provide training, support, and encouragement.
Most millennials will look at their bosses for leadership but only 46% say they believe this really happens.
-
Develop an authentic leadership
Research suggests that authentic leadership can cultivate trust and improve employee engagement.
So, what is authentic leadership?
According to Forbes authentic leaders are self-aware and genuine. They show the real side of themselves including their flaws and vulnerability.
By showing your human side of yourself as a leader, your workforce will connect with you easily hence creating that crucial trust.
-
Listen more to what people have to say
Each member of your team has a point of view, and you must make the effort to listen to these viewpoints.
Have group meetings or ask for opinions. Some employees need more encouragement to have the confidence to express themselves, yet others will voice their opinions freely. But all should be listened to equally, so they get a sense of belonging.
-
Recognise hard work
This is simple. At least say thank-you for good work. If you want to expand with monetary rewards, then well that is up to you.
But at least acknowledge hard work. If you fail to give acknowledgment when people are working hard, you are giving an unspoken but a clear message that the effort does not matter.
Imagine how demotivated you feel if no matter how hard you work no one notices? Giving acknowledgement increases employee loyalty.
-
Use positive language
The power of positivity also leans on the words you use as leaders. Lots of “can” and a lot less “can’t”.
For example, instead of starting a conversation about workloads and with thoughts of unmanageable workloads, why not start it with what we can realistically achieve.
Also build your language around your values. This will help you and the team stay positive. Here are our values
-
Build in fun at work
Recent research in the USA about toxic work culture and the “great resignation” showed the number one motivator for employees was a bit of work time play.
Having social occasions together even if it is just a pizza and a beer in the office after work is when you create outcomes which are beyond just the business goals.
It is a way to bring together the team in a relaxed manner whereby trust begins to build.
-
Try to complain less
We all do it. Sometimes we want to let out a little bit of steam and so we complain.
That’s why we are saying complain less and rather than don’t complain at all!
As you know complaining about anything does not necessarily resolve the problem. Instead think that each time you complain about something it is a challenge.
Use any challenge as a learning opportunity.
Being positive at work does not mean you have to stay cheerful 100% of the time. It does however mean that you make time for others, share problems, celebrate the victories no matter how small and learn from the mistakes.
This in the end will develop the type of attitudes to face the challenges that may be coming.
Building a sense of security at work will make sure you retain your team during hard times.
We are here to help you face any such challenges or if you want to share any of your problems in business. Get in touch.