Morale and Engagement

Communicate regularly

• Schedule weekly one-on-one meetings with your direct reports. These can be face-to-face or virtual. Set aside time for a non-work-related chat. 
• Use Microsoft Teams to check in periodically with those working remotely. Check-ins can be work-related or more casual. Microsoft Teams can be used for quick messaging or phone/video conversations. 
• Send regular emails to your whole team to stay connected. Provide updates of need-to-know information, share something fun, or pose a question to the group to keep the conversation going. 

Encourage sharing

• The more we share about ourselves, the more we can discover what we have in common. Share what feels comfortable to you, but also respect when people don't want to share. 
• Share wins with your team on a frequent basis, even if they are small. Welcome new hires, and share new successful programs or ideas. 
• Create more opportunities for sharing — fun things like pet sharing day, photo contests, competitions, employee spotlights, or favorite hobbies. 

Respect employees’ time

• Be respectful of your team's personal and family time.  
• Do not schedule back-to-back meetings for participants unless there is an urgent situation or it’s unavoidable. 
• Consider whether or not each invitee needs to be present for the entire meeting. If not, arrange the agenda so that some participants can leave early. 
• Start on time, stay on topic and end on time. 
• End meetings scheduled for an hour or longer 10-15 minutes early, if possible, to provide a break for those immediately moving to another meeting. 

Make meetings more enjoyable

• Encourage use of video cameras in virtual meetings to increase social interaction and connectivity. 
• Use ice-breaking activities or save time for sharing/making connections.   
• Start the meeting with a stretch break or hold a walking meeting, if feasible for the participants. 
• Use features such as polls, break-out rooms, etc. to break up the monotony in virtual meetings.  

Practice self-care for yourself — and encourage your team to do the same

• Set time on your calendar to complete daily/routine work or projects. Set reminders and commit to completing work during allocated time.  
• Set a break for lunch, away from your work, and commit to it. 
• Encourage employees to take time off. Let your staff know that it is okay to take time off to relax and recharge. 
• Help employees navigate to the resources they need. 
• Make time for rest or walk breaks throughout the day. 

Allow time for professional development

• Make sure your team members know that you encourage and support their continued learning. 
• Consider making a designated time monthly or quarterly for professional development activities. 
• Encourage participation in Learning and Organizational Development's programs and other training opportunities. 
• Be sure to take time for your own professional development too. 

Instill a sense of belonging

• Make sure your team members know your commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace. You can do this by recognizing affinity months  in your department, or acknowledging and sharing information about various faith and religious observances. 
• Create department-driven opportunities to volunteer or help others. Learn more on the Giving and Volunteering page. 
• Ask for and listen closely to feedback from your team members. Ask what you can do to help. Show empathy.