In light of COVID-19, the new normal is now remote and virtual work for 62% of the U.S. working population. Teams and organizations that once connected very frequently in person are now dispersed and working individually in an uncertain and evolving climate.
This shift will inevitably challenge the culture your organization aspires to create.
A strong, consistent culture is not easy to create during “normal” work circumstances. Only 23% of U.S. employees strongly agree that they can apply their organization’s values to their work every day, Gallup reports as part of its new leadership guidance series.
During a time of disruption, like now, organizations need to make a plan to ensure they continue to create a work experience that is unique and valued by employees.
Workplace culture is inherently a social construct. It takes multiple people to establish norms, practices and behaviors around the concept of “how we do things around here.”
Gallup research shows that leaders need to communicate and establish a narrative and dialogue with their employees that gives them hope for the future, trust that their company’s leadership will act on its promises, and stability in the day-to-day.
Remind people why your organization exists and what it brings to the world. These messages can get lost as focus narrows to day-to-day tasks and accomplishments—in fact, even under more certain circumstances, only four in 10 employees strongly agree that the mission or purpose of their company makes them feel their job is important. Beyond taking time to recommunicate the purpose of your organization, now is a great opportunity to show how that mission and purpose are being brought to life. Read the full guide from Gallup.
