The Emotional Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
It is important to note that during a pandemic, people experience a high level of anxiety. Moreover, COVID-19 is characterized by lockdowns and isolation at home, which further increases the feeling of stress (Ogueji et al., 2021). Therefore, individuals need regular support and communication to assist them in improving their emotional state.
The Role of Leadership in Addressing Morale
In an organization, it is especially critical to address employee morale and demonstrate that leaders are always available to listen (Ogueji et al., 2021). Accordingly, managers who can listen to their subordinates create a sense of confidence, creativity, and satisfaction in teamwork.
Remote Work and the Decline in Motivation
Moreover, the example of remote work demonstrates that there is a decrease in employee motivation. Therefore, the leader must find time to communicate with the staff not only about work-related issues but also about their problems and experiences. This can be implemented through a video conference or a phone call (Heath et al., 2020).
Active Listening as a Leadership Strategy
Accordingly, active listening by the leader will encourage employees to share their thoughts. Additionally, leaders should focus on not providing advice or contributing their own opinions to the conversation (Ogueji et al., 2021). It is essential to allow staff to share what is bothering them and how they are affected by COVID-19 and remote work.
Identifying and Addressing Employee Concerns
Furthermore, it is recommended that the main concerns that employees have about distance work be identified to eliminate them. Once the primary concerns have been identified and staff members have shared their thoughts, the leader should thank them for their cooperation.
Outcomes of Listening Strategies During the Pandemic
Hence, the listening strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic ensures that employees receive feedback, which increases their motivation to work (Heath et al., 2020). Through this strategy, it is possible to enhance the motivation of workers to work remotely more productively. This is because employees realize that leaders pay attention to their morale and are always ready to listen to them.
References
Heath, C., Sommerfield, A., & von Ungern‐Sternberg, B. S. (2020). Resilience strategies to manage psychological distress among healthcare workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A narrative review. Anaesthesia, 75(10), 1364-1371. Web.
Ogueji, I. A., Okoloba, M. M., & Demoko Ceccaldi, B. M. (2021). Coping strategies of individuals in the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 pandemic. Current Psychology, 4, 1-7. Web.