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In times of uncertainty, leaders must foster a genuine culture of care to engage with employees.

- DR DEBASHISH SENGUPTA

“Employees should consider themselves fortunate that we are paying them salaries and they have their jobs. This is enough for this year’s engagement initiative. Expecting anything more than this is a luxury.”

This was the reaction of an employer when asked what his company was doing to engage workers during the COVID-19 crisis.

In a scenario where many others are cutting down jobs and salaries of their employees, a company protecting the jobs and salaries of its employees is really doing a commendable job.

However, there are two inherent flaws with that assumption:  The pandemic has been tough for everyone, bringing in plenty of uncertainty, anxiety, and stress. Work schedules have been disturbed, the economic crisis is deeper than ever before, and the prolonged absence of ‘normal’ is affecting mental health in a big way. Hence, there are issues beyond just jobs and salaries that need to be taken care of.  Every employee engagement initiative does not need a huge financial commitment. It is more about intention and genuine support at this stage.

The worst aspect of this crisis has been the complete loss of predictability. In an already VUCA world, the COVID-19 situation has made matters worse.

There is also fear psychosis over what will happen if one contracts the disease—fear of being taken to an unknown facility, fear of social ostracisation, and concern for loved ones, many of whom are stuck in far-flung places due to the lockdown.