As former life sciences manufacturing and supply chain leaders, one of our greatest motivators was our company’s mission to improve lives. This mission not only inspired our people to come to work, but to also take pride in delivering high-quality products free of defects. Over the years, we’ve also come to know what we believe is a second critical factor in motivating the workforce: stability.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and as we attempt to enter a new normal, there is a looming feeling of a lack of stability. The uncertainty surrounding this pandemic has affected the global workforce as people seek to understand both the short and long-term impacts of COVID-19 on their lives. Understandably, people everywhere are concerned about their health, safety and ability to provide for their families.
As people, we all struggle with these same concerns. Yet as leaders, we must continue to inspire and motivate our teams during turbulent and unknown times. This is not an easy challenge to overcome, but remember that:
Structure and a Sense of Normalcy are Important
In our opinion, one of the best things you can do in times of uncertainty is to keep your management operating system in place. The workforce does not respond well to situations in which there is little to no direction. This, in this current pandemic your management team needs to shine and deliver these key elements:
- Structured meetings that are efficient and drive action. Keep your teams moving the ball forward.
- Manufacturing tiered meetings that drive accountability for day-by-the-hour production. Continue to hold front-line leaders and hourly workers accountable for daily output.
- Metrics that cascade from leadership to the shop floor. Measure the right activities at appropriate time intervals to help people take responsibility for their activities.
- Reports that articulate performance to targets. Ensure that there are appropriate actions to address any deviations and, although it can be easy during times of crisis, don’t get sidetracked.
- Continuous improvement. Make sure teams continue working on their continuous improvement projects. This lets everyone know that leadership believes the crisis will end and normalcy will return.
Employees Want to be Informed
Communicating key information is another way to help teams feel a sense of stability. To be fair, there is no shortage of information around COVID-19 and we’re not suggesting that you become another news outlet. However, to help motivate and inspire your workers, consider providing them with regular updates and also let them know when they can expect the next communication. Specifically, deliver regular updates on:
- How you are safeguarding the work environment
- Where people can go for help if they need it
- What your company is doing to provide products to customers
- If your company is supporting COVID-19 efforts, what they are doing to help others in need
- The work that teams and individuals are doing to advance the company’s mission during this time
People Need to Feel Secure
Clearly, there is a lot of uncertainty right now. People are not sure what they can count on and what they can’t. This can lead to distraction and a loss of motivation. They need to know they can count on you and the business they support. To that end, communicate to everyone in the organization what actions the company is taking to ensure it continues operating during and after COVID-19. Give your teams the hope they need to get through this time.
Continue to Drive Your Mission
In the end, continuing your company’s mission is still the best way to inspire and motivate your workforce. Each day employees continue to come to work to do something that will improve the life of others is truly inspiring. Still, you can’t lose sight of the fact that people need a little extra encouragement during these trying times.
About the Authors:
Mike Atkinson is the Head of Life Sciences and Melvin Bosso is a principal at Myrtle Consulting Group, a firm that drives operational transformation within global manufacturing, processing and distribution organizations.