Looking after you and your team
Here are some useful ideas / resources for managing during the Covid pandemic, with a particular focus on managing teams remotely and supporting the well-being of staff and yourself during this time.
Don’t forget: Mindful Employer offers a dedicated helpline for Managers.
Available 8am -8pm 7 days a week: 0300 555 5002
Managing Remote Workers
The biggest struggle for remote workers tends to be:
- Unplugging after work
- Loneliness
- Communication
- Distractions at home
- Staying motivated
It is important to engage socially with your team, try to make time for small talk.
Make sure you keep in regular contact with team members; keep 1 to 1 meetings going. Encourage the team to engage with each other.
Remember that written messages can sometimes be misinterpreted and the reader can assume negative intent. Ensure you use voice and video communication as much as possible.
Individuals can end up feeling ‘left out’; please remember to take note and celebrate as you would do in a face to face environment, birthdays, work successes etc.
Ensure that your staff are appropriately set up for home working, in line with health and safety requirements. People need the right equipment and a safe working environment. They also need to feel valued and respected which can be more challenging when the team is remote.
The links below will take you to a host of useful tips and advice for managing your team through the ‘new normal’ of remote working.
NHS People: Looking after your team
Support for leaders, managers and their teams working in primary care – visit: looking-after-your-team
Other links you may find useful:
- Project M – a place and space for team leaders and managers to connect, share and learn together
- Keeping myself and my team positive
- How to manage conversations about painful subjects
Mindful Employer Managers Helpline
Mindful Employer offers a dedicated helpline for Managers – available 8am -8pm 7 days a week
There to support managers / supervisors with everyday supervisory matters, as well as supporting with difficult challenges such as reassurances about how they help a member of staff cope with bereavement.