Data from our motivation and productivity platform mojo told that during the pandemic employees' need for security, predictability and stability rose sharply. With conflict and uncertainty around the world at present, the same pattern is likely to emerge.
Here's some tips on how to support what mojo calls ‘Defenders’:
- Share updates before they become concerns. Defenders will appreciate being kept in the loop even if it isn't the full picture yet.
- Have regular check-ins. Have these at the same time, on the same day.
- If you have to change course, explain why. They don't like surprises!
- Ensure they know they're valued. Defenders like job security, so praise their contributions and let them know their importance to the organisation.
- Connect tasks to business goals. E.g. by doing this, you're supporting our aim to achieve that.
- Give them a clear career map to boost their long-term certainty. Add in milestones and show them what the next level looks like.
- During change, break things down into understandable chunks. Explain the why of the change and encourage questions to ease uncertainty.
- Give their work structure, by having defined processes and workflows. Give them advance notice of any deadlines.
In short, support your Defenders by being as consistent as possible. Right now, boosting their psychological safety has never been more important.