A second wave. A second lockdown. A second time to care for our teams

A recent study ran with more than 3,000 volunteers by Glasgow University, identified a ‘creeping rise’ in mental health problems, signalling alarm bells over what the virus is doing to us mentally. The study found suicidal thoughts increased from 8% to 10% and they were highest among young adults (18–29 years), rising from 12.5% to 14%. The researchers say that, even though those are relatively small rises, they are significant because of the short period of time they happened over. And only last week, London ambulance service have reported they are attending on average 37 suicides a day, a drastic jump from the 22 a day recorded in late 2019.

It is evident that Coronavirus is not just having a drastic impact on our physical health, but also our mental wellbeing.

Businesses closing. Redundancies. Health implications. Death. Isolation. Uncertainty. Worry. The list goes on in what is causing the biggest anxieties related to Covid-19, and the impact on our minds. From children to the elderly, and everyone in between, we are facing such hardship and challenge, it becomes undoubtable we will as a nation, soon face a mental health crisis.

With the charity sector now feeling the squeeze, witnessing a £10 billion funding gap: with two in five facing financial strain, and one in ten destined for closure, even the services and support we rely on — which we need now more than ever — are going to struggle to help us through this difficult period of time.

We need each other right now

Never have we needed to be so close yet are so far. Hybrid and home working are changing the dynamic of teams, disrupting communication, challenging relationships, and increasing the burden laid upon support networks. No longer can we physically lean by the water fountain or printer, asking how someone is, or catching up on gossip.

Instead those conversations have been whittled down into a rushed two or three minutes at the start of a Zoom meeting, a far cry from the engaging chats we once knew. Our physical interactions have been replaced by video conferences, phone calls and emails, with almost everything losing its personal touch. And now the second lockdown is here, once more, many of are facing the struggle of caring for our isolated, and already fragmented teams.

So, let us support them with you. As former Royal Marines Commandos, my business partner Antony and I are well versed in leading teams through challenging and adverse situations.

The following tips we have used within our own military careers, but now more importantly, within our own team at Loopin during this painful period. Our ambition is to get the basics right and not overcomplicate what we do, to keep our people happy, focused, and motivated, whilst always feeling supported.

1. Use quality communication

Is there anything worse than being inundated with unnecessary emails, phone calls, Slack messages and so on, whilst a child hurls through the room, and your dog bounces off the ceiling? Even Zoom calls can become a burden when they feel unnecessary and aimless.

Right now, people want simple, punchy, and effective communication whilst they spin their plates at home. There is a lot happening outside that sixteen-inch screen you seen them within, so really be conscious of how much, or sometimes how little (we like to be occupied), you are throwing at them.

2. Listen. And demonstrate you listened

Once more, we are having to do so much more listening. And now, how, and what we listen to will really matter. It is not just about company business, but about your people too. Where are they suffering? What are their pains? What is concerning them? And where can you take action to provide them some relief?

It is not easy listening to everything, and you will not be able to action everything you hear. But simply pulling up a hypothetical chair (zoom link), with someone for a quick coffee and a chat — no work talk — could mean the world to them and the difference in their wellness. On occasions, just be an ear to their queries.

3. Rotate team members

In combat situations, there was little more challenging than being ‘point man’ — a position out front, navigating the troop through often heavily mined and dangerous places. The stress of such a role was extremely high. So high in fact, we found ourselves rotating the role regularly, so the burden was not felt by one single individual. This rotation kept us sane, but more importantly, alive.

The same could be said for your team members. Make sure they are rotating through positions of stress, so they have opportunities to step away from the coal face and work a few days without added pressure. Allow them to decompress and regain some balance. It need not mean their role has to change. Try and spread out the burden to ensure it isn’t just one person who’s feeling the crunch every day. That person may even be you on occasions.

4. Be flexible

It is likely one tip that you are already well aware of, but continue your flexibility with time and working patterns. No one’s home life is the same to the next. One person will have a relaxed purring cat on their lamp within their spacious home. Someone else is struggling to settle the twins in their cramped two bedroom flat.

Being as flexible as possible with your team is going to really help them. Apply pressure in necessary proportions, as we still need that routine and discipline of a working environment. But where possible, allow your teams to try and create their routines and working patterns around their new lockdown schedule.

5. Be a good role model for self-care

Sometimes we all need a little nudge to head in the right direction. Sharing with your team how that run in the rain this morning made you feel, or what the short stroll in the woods has done for your head, is enormously powerful. How are you being more proactive at home? And what is helping you with your wellbeing?

It is great so many companies share wellbeing and physical wellness links, strategies, guidance, and help. But sometimes people find it more inspiring when those around them are doing it too. Maybe challenge everyone to do a step count competition. Or everyone must get twenty minutes fresh air each day and share a photo of them doing exactly that.

Check in with your teams and provide them with hints, tips and advice that can help them during this period both physically and mentally. Show them what is helping you, and how you are doing it.

By supporting one another’s wellbeing, we are naturally supporting one another’s mental health.

—

Right now we’re changing the way that teams communicate, if you’d like to join our beta —join our waiting list!