"COVID-19 has challenged our treasured beliefs about what the future will hold." (McKinsey & Co.) 

This is true for everyone regardless of role across organizations: employees, managers, leaders and shareholders. I think it’s safe to say that we all feel it. And as the situation continues to evolve, it’s taking a toll on morale and zapping the energy in our workforces. 

If we borrow a page from the 2000 year old words of Epicteus, the Greek Stoic philosopher, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters,” then we ought to be thinking and acting now in order to protect the overall health and well being of our employees and the workplace. 

Below is a link to a thoughtful piece for any organization seeking to move forward and re-energize its people where possible in light of the circumstances. 

It discusses the impact of pandemic fatigue and how pragmatic optimism (optimism based in reality), compassion in the form of real connection (vs. programs), organizational resilience, and reimagining how we operate can help recharge the work environment. It also suggests ways in which organizations can be agile and adapt to a new reality based on changes that may endure well beyond the pandemic. Read the full article.

I hope it’s helpful.