Staff Morale in a Time of Crisis

Posted on April 8, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman

The COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t have an end in sight. Although we have heard from some members that staff are coping well, we need to consider the long-term effect of working in a crisis mentality. Now, more than ever, our ability to keep staff morale high is of utmost importance.

It is imperative that we do everything we can to prevent burnout, offer respite opportunities, and continue to inspire staff in the important work that they do. Here are some ideas to help you motivate and inspire your staff.

• Over Communication. Over communication is important when messages and rules are changing rapidly, staff and residents are anxious, and rumors and news media updates spread quickly. Communicating in real time is important to help staff and residents feel safe, and it provides an opportunity for leaders to thank and acknowledge their team. Consider communication vehicles, including:
  • Email
  • Stand-up meetings
  • Rounding
  • Texting
  • Social media
  • Messages coordinated with clocking in/clocking out process
  • HRIS system messaging
  • Prepare mangers and frontline leaders with standard communication for their teams.
  • Have a staff member checking temperatures when staff arrive for their shift. Prepare that person with up to date information to share.
  • Phone call or video chat check ins with staff working from home
  • Provide opportunities for staff to express their feelings. They may feel sadness, anger, anxiety, stress, worry, or distress. It is important to listen to staff and support their wellbeing. Review this document from the CDC about Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event.
• Say thank you. It’s simple, but a genuine thank you goes a long way when staff are working under stress.
• Write thank you notes to staff for their dedication.
• Post a thank you sign or poster in a place all staff will see it. Consider your lobby, staff break room, staff entrance, elevator lobbies, nursing stations -or all the above!
• Remember the fun. Your organization is likely putting a lot of effort into making sure the people you care for do not become isolated in a time of visitor restrictions. Encourage your staff to have fun alongside the residents. For example, one organization recently played social-distance-bingo in the hallways. Make sure your staff can take time each day to get in on the fun as well.
• Allow for experimentation. Caregivers are often a creative and innovative group. Many organizations are assisting residents in using technology to communicate with their families, developing pen pal programs, recording virtual messages, hosting programs over a closed-circuit television, and other fun ideas. If caregivers have creative ideas to engage residents, allow time for them to experiment and pilot their idea.
• Provide opportunity for self-care at work. Many people find exercise is an important way to relieve stress. Are staff able to take a break for a short walk during the workday? Particularly during a time where staff may be picking up additional shifts or working longer shifts, consider building in self-care time into the workday for exercise, relaxation, stretching, prayer, or meditation.
• Include staff at all levels in the crisis management process. In times of crisis, it’s amazing who can rise to the challenge to support your mission with fresh ideas and perspectives.
• Gift certificates for takeout restaurants or coffee shops. With restaurants and bars being closed for dining in and staff working long hours, takeout may be just what your team needs!
• Allow casual dress as appropriate. Do you have casual days on Fridays? Consider extending this to be a daily perk during the pandemic.
• Allow flexibility for staff as you’re able. With kids home from school, staff may need extra flexibility to check in at home. Make sure staff can make a quick phone call home, text loved ones, or even the flexibility leave during their shift for a short time if needed.
• Provide COVID19 Friendly treats. Gone are the days of pulling the staff together for an all-staff pizza party, but are there other treats you can provide for staff? Individually wrapped candy with hand sanitizer nearby may be the way to go for now.
• Set a good example. When leaders exude positivity, hope, and gratitude, staff are more likely to do the same. Help on the frontlines regularly and encourage all leaders and managers to do the same.
• Promote your EAP. Many organizations offer an Employee Assistance Program, yet often staff are not aware of the resources they can access. Put in some extra effort in promoting the services your EAP includes.
• Allow for humor. It can feel like all we ever talk about is COVID19. Now might be the time to scan some joke books, print out some funny memes, or lighten the mood with a lightening round of Rock-Paper-Scissors or other Minute to Win it style games.
• Tap into staff talents. With visitor restrictions in place, you likely have cancelled volunteer musicians, entertainers, and salon operations. Search out the talents of your staff: Calling all musicians, magicians, comedians, artists, and more!
• Monitor staff for burnout. Right now, staff health is more important than ever. Make sure front-line managers are aware of signs of burnout in staff such as:
  • Feelings of numbness, disbelief, anxiety or fear
  • Changes in appetite, energy, and activity levels
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Difficulty sleeping or nightmares and upsetting thoughts and images
  • Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes
  • Worsening of chronic health problems
  • Anger or short temper
  • Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs