Dear Mayank
With the COVID numbers rising again, our office has decided to continue work from home for some more time.
But WFH is new to us and not easy and I can see it affecting the morale of my team.
How do I keep their morale up and ensure work output does not get impacted?
Thank you and regards.
Kiran Lobo

Hi Vikas.

I am sure your management is aware of the issues related to work from home. But you must have a one on one discussion with your manager so that she/he is aware of your personal challenges.

At the same time explain to your family the importance of having a job and request them to be more accommodating.

With the vaccination drive picking up, most offices have started opening and the rest will open soon.

Hi Ramesh.

Please remember this is a virus, a very dangerous one.

You have to be extremely careful not get the infection but also be prepared in case you get it.

Build your immunity, eat right, exercise and sleep well, rest of the things will fall in place.

Becoming anxious about things you cannot control will not help you.

Plan your professional day and do your job well.

The fact that you have your job shows the faith your company has in you. Continue to do your job well.

Hi Sunita.

The best way to manage the stress is to consider yourself fortunate that your organisation has continued with your employment.

I’m sure you understand that the current economic scenario has not yet picked up and the job market is tough.

As far as your manager is concerned, set clear expectations with her/him at the beginning of the week/day.

Send her/him your task list and then an update at the end of the day/week.

Communicate through email so that it is well documented and there is no ambiguity.

You can also do some breathing exercises and ensure your diet is healthy to manage your stress levels.

Hi.

You have achieved a lot at a young age so and it will be a challenge to you to maintain the momentum. Look at it at a challenge and keep going.

Have a clear discussion with the interns; it cannot be a coincidence that they are all falling sick on the same day.

See if it's a trend, it could be in the beginning of the week after a long weekend or at the end of the week if they want to take a long break.

Ask them to submit a medical certificate if they say the leave has been taken for medical reasons.

As you are a young manager, setting expectations is very important.