We are operating in an environment that is demanding, uncertain, and frankly, disquieting. Struggling to maintain some semblance of “business as usual,” whether remotely or in the office, is a challenge. Although the coronavirus has upended life as we know it, we soldier on to care for our patients, clients, and staff. It is essential that during this time, employees feel comforted and equipped emotionally to weather the storm. Now more than ever, we must strive to maintain employee morale, address their fears and anxieties, and offer resources and assistance.
What actions can managers take to ensure that staff remains emotionally and physically strong? I believe it requires a combination of common-sense actions, proactive thinking, and a dose of fun.
Transparent communication
In times of uncertainty, people thrive on information. When they don’t receive it, speculation is rampant. Don’t allow employees to fill in the blanks. Make clear and consistent information available on a regular basis. Don’t worry about communicating too often, remember to include gratitude and support in your messages, and remain in contact even if there is nothing new to report.
Make safety the #1 priority
With the majority of states having issued “shelter at home” orders, only essential workers are allowed to travel to their offices. If your team is working and seeing patients, be sure they are practicing social distancing and adhering to safety protocols. Monitor behavior in the office, provide encouragement, and listen to their concerns.
Resources
Create a list of mental health resources that employees can access if they are having difficulty coping. The list should include EAP contacts and information for mental health sites, including a suicide prevention hotline, online counseling services, and state and local health departments and COVID-19 hotlines.
Treats
A little something special can go a long way. Stocking the office with nutritional and comforting individually packaged snacks can be an emotional boost…. nuts, crackers, gummies, and chocolate.
Several VHMA members weighed in on MemberConnect and shared the creative ways they are raising morale. I thought I would highlight a few:
- Amanda Murphy held an in-office egg hunt with plastic eggs filled with “treasures,” such as gift cards. Ice cream sundaes will be included!
- David Hawkins brought in lunch, which helped to energize his staff.
- Celeste Hein reached out to her reps and pitched the idea of establishing a system to reward employees during these difficult weeks. Several reps were happy to help and have signed on to send in lunch.
- Melynda-Sue Enslow suggests that managers Google Veterinary Coronavirus/COVID-19 Bingo, which provides a much-needed humorous diversion for staff. She added that including individual or group prizes can help to spread a little cheer.
- Kristie Buy added a daily gratitude during team meeting. She begins by stating one thing she is grateful/thankful for, then staff take turns responding. She also gets staff moving with a daily staff dance party that helps to shake off the stress (while maintaining appropriate social distancing, of course!). Finally, a running group text lets staff share funny COVID-19 related memes (TP hoarding!)
- Jennifer Young uses Slack so that staff can share fun and useful information. She has taught everyone the Navy Seal 4x breathing exercise. Her staff created a “Soul Train with Social Distancing” video and hopes to organize a video lip-synch competition with local clinics. Finally, in-office games like “mashimals” ---a game where teams come up with a new animal derived from two animals and write a back story---has helped to elevate spirits.
- Abbie Singer also added a Slack channel where staff can express their feelings in a healthy outlet. Furthermore, she recommends the Julie Squires podcast (http://rekindlesolutions.com/podcast) and reminds managers to pass along praise and recognition to staff. She is considering a mini team bonding activity that will involve exercise.
- Sara Cobb starts morning rounds with the 10-breath trip and a quick stretch. When the meeting concludes, staff pulls fun questions out of a hat, and everyone in the circle draws a question and answers it.
- An anonymous poster recommends the book "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse" by Charlie Mackesy because it is a thought-provoking, discussion-worthy story that contains exquisite illustrations. Mackesy’s words of kindness, mutual care, tenderness, and friendship bring people together.
Thank you for sharing these great suggestions, and please continue to post ideas for keeping the team motivated!
I miss seeing my VHMA friends and colleagues at VHMA meetings and events. I encourage you to keep in touch by sending VHMA photos and videos of what you are doing to remain upbeat in your practice…music videos, dances, social distancing rap…anything goes! Be creative and maintain your distance.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Michelle Gonzales-Bryant, CVPM
VHMA President