As COVID-19 continues to spread, employees are getting sick and calling out, causing businesses in certain industries to close or reduce hours. Such sick leave is heightening companies' problems in hiring and retaining staffers amid a tight labor market.
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Companies that have embraced change amid the pandemic are reaping rewards for support of employees and their communities, writes Beth Braccio Hering. Business owners outline some effective ways they tackled workers' concerns, from financial security to physical and mental health and flexible work models.
Empathy and caring are important traits for leaders that don't require pity or getting your own emotions triggered, writes executive coach Betty Johnson. "[I]f you can do what they need, even if it means a small sacrifice of your time or wants, in the end, you'll get what you want, too: their productivity, loyalty, engagement, commitment, and trust," Johnson writes.
A BMW model introduced at CES this week can change colors, as long as the owner is OK with black, white or gray. It uses e-reader technology to make the switch and the functionality could also help cars repel or absorb heat.
Family get-togethers have become a bit challenging over the past year -- and not because of COVID-19. My children are adults. It’s been a jolt for me. Two people whose worlds I used to control now have their own lives and responsibilities, and it has been wreaking havoc on family time. I recently tried to bring everyone together for a dinner-and-game night.
“What time? Zach and I have a double date with Blade and his girlfriend on Friday.”
“Kalei might have soccer practice. They’re in the playoffs. We’ll know tomorrow.”
“What are you serving? I’m doing keto now.”
“Good question. Kalei’s allergies are bothering her again so she’s only eating chicken noodle soup. And Kahaku has a thing for Hot Cheetos, but he’ll try other stuff.”
“Maybe Sunday is better, actually. Oh Mom! Can you do your three-meat spaghetti? I know you’re doing vegetarian these days, but you can still make that for us, right?”
It was one of those parenting moments when all I could do was stare at my offspring. Then I shook my head, collected myself and smiled.
“OK,” I said calmly. “This is what’s going to happen. You two knuckleheads are going to compare your calendars and figure out a day and time when you are available for a family dinner. I’ll expect that answer by Monday. OK? I will have food -- whatever I decide to cook. People who don’t like or can’t eat it are welcome to bring something else. We will also be playing one board game together, so mark off enough time. This is going to be a happy-freaking-family night, OK? Everyone clear?”
They looked at me, then at each other and smirked back at me. “Very happy,” my son said, grinning. “Very,” said Kawai, hugging me. “But now I gotta go.” And they left with promises to get back to me in a couple days.
It’s tough getting folks together these days. And it’s not just scheduling conflicts or the risk of possible exposure to COVID-19. People have become used to being at home, dressing casually and running their own schedules. It’s comfortable.
It’s time to bust that comfort zone. It’s time to reconnect. And today’s Leadership & Development story about on-site meetings has some great ideas for making that happen. I liked the suggestion about creating new rituals. I’ll be brainstorming on how I can apply that to my team (and those two people I hatched.)
Got ideas for motivating folks to attend an on-site event? Tell me! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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