If there’s one thing the COVID-19 pandemic’s isolation restrictions are teaching us all it’s that we’re highly adaptable. Who knew so many of us would be working from home? Who’d have even thought it possible just weeks ago? Still, we thought it was important to mention two very important words – team morale. Here are six ways to improve it under these challenging circumstances.

No. 1 – Stay connected

Right now, there are no kitchen catchups, no chatty coffee runs and no popping by someone’s desk to compare notes. Staying connected keeps a team on the same page!

At Appoint, we’re partly working from home and partly social distancing in accordance with restrictions. We hold meetings – virtually and in-person – at 9am every day to check in and discuss the day’s needs. Jackie and Kim run regular one-on-ones with the team to make sure they’re managing well in isolation.

Don’t forget the social side of keeping your team a well-oiled machine! Virtual games like trivia, virtual lunch with a colleague and Friday team drinks via webcam are tons of fun.

No. 2 – Be kind and support each other

Isolation in work terms is uncharted territory for most who’ve never worked from home. It can be tough on the emotions! If you notice uncharacteristic behavioural or communication changes in one of your employees or colleagues, reach out with kindness. Make allowances for difficult circumstances. Everybody’s trying to do their best and the importance of mental health can’t be underestimated.

No. 3 – Work hard and celebrate wins

Have you won a new client? Have there been cost savings? Has someone on your team been nominated for an award? Did a whole day pass without a single technical glitch?

Big or small, it’s important to celebrate wins and share them around for everyone to enjoy. In fact, encourage your team to keep notes of their own wins during the week and it can be a fun sharing topic at Friday night drinks!

No. 4 – Keep active and focused

Appoint hold morning virtual team workouts to get the blood flowing and smiles happening. For those in the office, we go on weekly walks around our block for morning meetings. The fresh air and sunshine create a happy mood and a productive start to the day.

No. 5 – Continuous learning and development

The team who learns together, earns together! Keeping your skills up is important because when you have a finger on the pulse of your sector, you perform better and better performance boosts morale. Short courses, webinars, e-books, internet research and even exchanging expertise in team meetings all contribute to being at the top of your game.

No 6 – Rest and reset

Taking a break from the computer is essential, wherever you’re working. You need to rest and recharge, stretch your legs and back, maybe even do a quick meditation. Eat lunch on your balcony or deck, walk or have a 20-minute power nap.

We usually see our colleagues at their desks but now, working from home means you don’t know who’s up to what and when. Have your team use status update functions on Zoom, Teams and other shared software or update their calendar so everyone knows when they’re not available.

Above all, continually acknowledge each other’s important contributions to the company’s ongoing success. Despite the difficulties, there is light at the end of the tunnel!