Throughout the pandemic there have been many articles about employees and how management can help them through this tough time, but what about the managers themselves? Anna Craig, Managing Consultant, discusses the other side of the story.

Covid-19 has impacted everyone is different ways. We have all been through the same storm but we have all been in different boats.  Everyone has had their own struggles. For many employees whether working or on furlough they will be looking at their manager for support and clarity. Managers have had to find a new way to manage their teams while working from home. They have had the challenge of keeping staff motivated while also ensuring their teams mental well being is considered.

We must remember that people managers are human too and will be faced with their own anxieties and personal struggles.

It is important for managers to ensure they are taking care of themselves to ensure they can still lead their teams. It is ever more important that they are role models for their team- they need to lead the way with managing work and home life. one simple way of doing this is to lead by example and communicate that you are logging off for the evening and so demonstrating to the team that you expect them to do the same. Just  because we are working from home does not mean you are expected to be accessible 24 hours a day.

As many managers will be having regular one to ones with their team members make sure that you too are having catch ups with your line manager and sharing any challenges you are faced with. We all need to navigate our way through the new way of working but by ensuring we are aware and taking care of our own mental wellbeing, you will place yourself in a stronger position to be able to support those around us. Be kind and compassionate to yourself!