A lot of changed in the last 14 months, but does everyone on your team or in your company know the new unstated cultural and emotional norms that dictate what is acceptable? But is everyone aware of them? Do they know if it’s okay to turn off their video during a Zoom meeting? Or to go for a walk in the middle of the day?
Understanding what the new rules are will alleviate stress for many people. Do this by setting aside time for you and your team to brainstorm an “It’s okay to...” list to clarify the small uncertainties that can add unnecessary stress. Your list can include things like:
It's okay to say you don't understand a process.
It's okay to have quiet days.
It's okay to shift your hours to take care of family commitments.
It’s okay to block off calendar time for focused work.
Documenting these norms is a simple exercise that has positive benefits for new, tenured, and future employees—and allows you to reinforce your culture even when the nature of work changes