Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources
Small Ways to Make Big Impacts
While our community practices safe social distancing, there are ways to continue to make economic impact.
Communicate, communicate, communicate with employees… and then communicate more. Things are currently uncertain and uncertainty tanks organizational health. With many employees working from home/nontraditional, it’s important to not go silent but rather clearly communicate with employees.
Remember – the primary focus of leadership should be the success of those you lead. Now is the time to go back to leadership basics. Create clarity, communicate, follow-up.
Be flexible & give extra grace. None of us have ever been in this situation before. Organizations will make mistakes. People will make mistakes. Remember to be patient, flexible and work towards creative solutions. “The way it’s always been done” won’t work so it’s time to try something new. Embrace & acknowledge that. And then be ready to change and change some more.
Celebrate successes. In times of crises, it can be easy to focus on the negative. Find things that are going right and acknowledge them. Say thank you to employees who are going the extra mile. Acknowledge extra kindness. Give credit to employees who come up with creative solutions. Thank employees who try something new – even if it fails. Create trust in your organization to allow employees to find new ways to thrive in uncertain times.
- Staying Sane in a World That Isn't - NY Times
- Grab breakfast, lunch or dinner from restaurants offering delivery, curbside or take-out options! When possible, consider using Chamber member and/or small, local establishments.
- Purchase gift cards from restaurants or retailers to use at a later date. This allows for an influx of cash now to help bridge the gap.
- Consider over-tipping those in the service industry. Many of these workers rely heavily on gratuity and without in-house diners, no longer have this revenue generator. Consider over-tipping to help ease the loss of income for those most affected.
- Shop local retailers online. Many are offering personal shopping experiences, curbside pick-up or delivery. Check retailers webpages or social media sites for more information and buying options.
- Wash Your Hands!
- How to Avoid Shaking Hands
- Stay connected… safely. Call your friends, send a letter, check on your neighbor. There are ways to connect while maintaining social distancing. Social distancing does not have to mean complete & utter isolation. Find creative ways to connect with others.
- Donate personal protective equipment - Guidelines and Details
- Your businesses can volunteer to donate PPE for first responders - contact PPE.donations@illinois.gov
Communicate, communicate, communicate with employees… and then communicate more. Things are currently uncertain and uncertainty tanks organizational health. With many employees working from home/nontraditional, it’s important to not go silent but rather clearly communicate with employees.
- A) Convene Leadership/Management virtually to set clear expectations and proper messaging.
- B) Disseminate expectations & information clearly, consistently and often.
- C) Check back for clarity with employees.
Remember – the primary focus of leadership should be the success of those you lead. Now is the time to go back to leadership basics. Create clarity, communicate, follow-up.
Be flexible & give extra grace. None of us have ever been in this situation before. Organizations will make mistakes. People will make mistakes. Remember to be patient, flexible and work towards creative solutions. “The way it’s always been done” won’t work so it’s time to try something new. Embrace & acknowledge that. And then be ready to change and change some more.
Celebrate successes. In times of crises, it can be easy to focus on the negative. Find things that are going right and acknowledge them. Say thank you to employees who are going the extra mile. Acknowledge extra kindness. Give credit to employees who come up with creative solutions. Thank employees who try something new – even if it fails. Create trust in your organization to allow employees to find new ways to thrive in uncertain times.