How to support your colleagues during the 'permacrisis'

Permacrisis; an extended period of instability and insecurity, especially one resulting from a series of catastrophic events - Collins English Dictionary 2022 Word of the Year.

As this lengthy period of political, economic, social and environmental challenge continues, no wonder many of us feel apprehensive going into the new year. So, what can you do to best support your colleagues, as well as yourself, during this time? Here are some practical tips to start 2023 positively as we navigate the permacrisis.

1. Create certainty. In times of change, people like certainty - create some wherever you can. This can be the small things - like keeping to regular scheduled team catch-ups, getting a tea or coffee together on Monday mornings or sending ‘Friday Thank You’ messages to those who have gone the extra mile that week, or someone you wouldn’t normally remember to thank.

2. Have a clear plan of action - and communicate it as early on in the year as possible to reduce the sense of threat that the unknown can bring. Refer back to the plan regularly to keep everyone focused and on-track.    

3. Foster togetherness - not just a team building exercise, but regular shared moments. The old saying, ‘A problem shared is a problem halved’, still rings true - especially when navigating choppy waters. Could you encourage your team members to bring a challenge to the group with the aim of brainstorming and solving it together? Create a Buddy Programme by pairing up new starters with a more experienced colleague for their first 3 months in the role? Or start a regular lunchtime ‘Walk and Talk’, as one of WorkLifeWell’s clients, CDS Global, have recently done.  

4. Be available - block out time in your week for drop-ins and/or if you have regular catch-ups, allocate the first 5 or 10 minutes to taking time to connect more broadly on what is happening in your colleagues’ world. 

5. Support new skills growth. During times of crisis, we often focus on all the immediate threats, but remembering to make time for your own and your colleagues' personal growth can bring a sense of positivity, achievement and creativity at the time when we need it the most.  

By focusing on the shared human experience, we can use times of crisis to bring colleagues together and create an even stronger culture, enabling us to face challenges with more resilience and the innovation needed to adapt. 

How are you supporting your colleagues through this time of uncertainty? We would love to hear from you and the best pieces of advice will be posted in the next blog!

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Author: Jayne Burton | Wellness Specialist | WorkLifeWell
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