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(COVID-19 Resource) What’s Next for Team Building in 2020?
For a full list of useful resources scroll to bottom
Team building in 2020 is going to involve a much stronger focus on mental health, more so than any other time in history. As a workforce, culture, nation, and even as a global species we have gone through a major shift in every aspect of our day-to-day lives. And now, a few months into the pandemic, the challenges are starting to show.
Just a few short weeks ago remote work seemed to hold such opportunity. For a lot of us, it promised more time, fewer commutes, and higher levels of autonomy. But the reality has been that bosses are micromanaging now more than ever. Workloads are increasing and expectations are rising. Prior to COVID, the measures needed for employees to transition to remote work involved home office checklists, safety requirements, and competency requirements. Now, all that is needed is a laptop and internet connection.
The swift lockdown saw us become a remote workforce almost overnight. This meant that employers were forced to put more trust in their employees and modify their own forms of communication. Remote work presents increased difficulty in presenting information.
Mental Health and COVID-19
Mental health, safe work practises, and healing a wounded economy are the challenges facing a post COVID-19 workforce. Many of us are experiencing these challenges and are unsure of how to act. We are being faced with the frightening option of advocating for our own self-care while still performing to meet increased expectations. Read this article on WFH micromanagers for some excellent advice on how to navigate these unique challenges.
However, restrictions are easing and the State and Federal powers that be are beginning to re-open the workforce and economy. But what does this mean for businesses, and what does this mean for us?
This article will provide resources and advice for the future of team building in 2020, as well as for the general public.
COVID-19 Safe Practices
- There are ample resources available to help organisations, businesses and employers re-open their doors. Check out this handy document from SafeWork Australia here for an in-depth checklist to help safely reopen doors.
- If you’re in Queensland, our State Government has plenty of information for the easing of Coronavirus restrictions available here.
- And here are 10 Tips to Successfully Lead a Remote Team
Mental Health
State and Federal government are aware of the rising numbers in both mental health decline and suicide rates across the country. They are creating resources and facilities to help people during this unique era.
- The Federal Government have created the Head to Health program to provide support for mental health during COVID-19. The
- Queensland Mental Health Commission has created a list of useful resources for navigating, improving, and maintaining mental health during COVID-19.
- Online learning centres are offering free, or reduced fee, modules to educate businesses and employees about the dangers of poor mental health in the workplace. Check out the fast-growing GO1 online learning platform here.
- As part of our journey, Banana Life will be providing COVID-safe Mindfulness Game workshops to aid businesses during the transition back to work.
Challenges and Opportunities
The challenges of team building in 2020 are large and unique.
As leaders, managers, employers, and business owners we need to be fast flexible learners. Communication is (and always was) key in helping our teams achieve their best. Team building will see a reduction in physicality, but rather than hinder its utility, it will help us to deliver a more focused perspective.
We strive to make every workplace an appealing place to work.
This used to mean commandeering adult-sized slingshots and facilitating massive group bonding. But now, our focus is on clarifying meaning using effective communication to help businesses to navigate remote worlds and new forms of presenting information.
Our own journey will involve new products designed to facilitate these approaches. We are re-shaping our Graffiti Art, Mindfulness Game, and Remote Games to excel in a post-pandemic world – and continue to make every workplace an appealing place to work.
USEFUL RESOURCES
SafeWork COVID Safe PDF Checklist
