How to keep staff motivated during a difficult period
I think it is safe to say that the last year has been a turbulent period for all of us. When the country first entered a national lockdown in March 2020, few of us would have thought we’d be where we are now, nearly a year later, with restrictions lasting as long as they have.
The circumstances I have personally faced as a multi-unit Franchisee over the past eleven months have certainly been challenging, being forced to close my four Subway® stores during the first lockdown was one of the hardest things I have had to do. In difficult periods it is often easy to lose your sense of drive and focus in the workplace, and this is why I find it is essential that you keep yourself and those around you motivated as much as possible.
My approach to maintaining enthusiasm in the workplace is twofold, creating variety and ensuring support. As a Franchisee, it is not just my own motivation that I have had to manage, and I thought it might be useful to share some ideas for keeping staff motivated during this period.
Meet challenges with reward
I think it’s important to keep looking for new ways to keep things fresh and exciting for the team. Using staff incentives such as vouchers is a great way to encourage productivity. In fact, setting targets and productivity goals for staff is an excellent approach to giving employees something to work towards.
Variety is the spice of life
I recommend altering staff routines; you would be surprised by the impact that simple changes to shift times and rotas can have in maintaining variety at work. Alternating weekends off for staff members is a perfect example of an easy way to create a small change in someone’s routine and break monotony.
Team work makes the dream work
As a Franchisee I believe that teamwork is the key ingredient behind any successful workplace. Therefore, where possible I try to work alongside and get involved with the staff in my stores. Getting stuck in helps drive the team and encourage an inclusive working environment, while also creating closer cooperation among staff.
Maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle
I am also a keen believer in the benefits of sustaining a fit and healthy lifestyle, not least because of the physical benefits it creates, but also because the positive impact it can have on your mental health. This lockdown I have been organising fitness goals for my staff. These goals include setting targets to see how many miles an individual can walk on a day off, and setting running goals for those who desire something a little more challenging.
By maintaining variety and keeping teams working closely together, it will help keep staff on track and sustain motivation over some very difficult months.
I am very proud of what my dedicated and passionate workforce have achieved in such tough circumstances. There have been many occasions where things have felt bleak, but by pulling together, teams will emerge stronger.
With spring approaching and the vaccination programme in place, I’m hopeful we can look ahead to the future with some genuine optimism. In my team, we have even begun to contribute to a staff fund for a group meal, when we are able to do so, which is just a little something to keep the spirits high.
