There is not one company that has been left untouched by this global pandemic. Some have shut their doors while others are rapidly innovating to stay relevant or to keep up with demand. Leaders and managers have had to quickly adapt to a new way of “being” with their employees. Some are just trying to learn the technology and how to lead remote workers well while others are coping by moving at a more rapid pace than what was considered “normal” before. Regardless, it is now more crucial than ever to remember that every employee is finding themselves in an altered reality with stressors that no one had time to predict. In a recent poll focused on the response to Covid-19, Gallup found that only 45% of employees believe their organization cares about their well-being.

While the "This crisis. Your generation." survey reveals that fewer Boomers are stressed by this pandemic, many of them are taking extra precaution to stay safe and healthy. Some report being surprised at how productive they are while working from home while others lament over the transition to new technology. It is also difficult for some Boomers to transition their leadership style to a team that is working from home. Being equipped to hold people accountable in a new way, having ample tech support, and knowing that they will not have put themselves or their loved ones at risk can carry a lot of value for the Boomer generation during this time.

Gen Xers report that their number one priorities are family and work. Many are trying to keep all the plates spinning by being both a hardworking employee and a rockstar homeschooler. On average, this survey took 3 minutes to complete. One Gen Xer summed up much of what seems to be true about how Gen X shows up in the world: “Your survey definitely reminded me that I need to do MUCH better prioritizing my own health. I'm doing a pretty (bad) job at that right now, to be honest! I find myself spending the full day hammering away in my office, fairly stressed out...It was a reminder that I need to develop a schedule and stick to it...incorporate workouts and breaks.” One of Gen X’s greatest strengths is their huge sense of responsibility and ability to adapt to any situation that comes their way. This is also why Gen X needs to be aware that because they are so good at keeping all the plates spinning around them, they might need to step back and take some time to care for themselves. A little encouragement from their boss to do this could carry a lot of relational capital in the future with your Gen X employees.

Millennials are into living their best life now and becoming the best version of themselves. They are much more likely to focus on how they are showing up/feeling in the present moment and adjust accordingly. They learned by observing their Boomer parents that they do not want to sacrifice quality of life now for quality later. They are going to do their best to make sure they are bringing their best selves to every day and doing what they need to do to make that happen. Ensuring that Millennials have opportunity to take care of themselves and offering different opportunities to do so will send them the message that they are seen and valued.

This is an extraordinary time for leaders to build a culture that gives voice to employees and redefines how they feel valued in the workplace. With decentralized teams where skills are becoming more valuable than titles, leaders will be able to take a look at their own soft skills and work to enhance their team culture so that when this is all over, people will know they mattered. Now, more than ever, the words of Maya Angelou ring true, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Leaders should capitalize on this opportunity to care well for their teams and build a culture that will carry them into the future. 

Full survey results found at https://www.katherinejeffery.com/downloads-1.