You’re camping. A Ranger comes through your campsite and tells you to be on the lookout for bears. A few have been spotted nearby recently.

Before camping, you knew bears were a possibility. But they were only in the back of your mind, and you weren’t really stressed about the idea.

But now… now the bears are practically at your tent flap! You won’t be able to sleep tonight. You can’t let your kids out of your sight. In fact, should you just pack up and go home?

But wait! The Ranger stops and says, “Don’t worry. Here’s what WE’RE doing to protect you. And here are three productive things YOU can do to protect yourself.”

Well, that feels a lot safer.

The threat of the bear returns to the back of your mind. And while you’re still careful, you now feel okay settling in to s’mores and scary ghost stories around the campfire.

Your Employees Are Scared — How to Support Your Employees During Covid

Right now during Covid, your employees are scared. They always knew something could disrupt their prosperity, but it was just the bear in the back of their mind. They could keep it back there and never face it.

But once the pandemic started, it was as if that bear was walking right through their campsite.

Covid is HERE, and now they have to worry about their health, their children’s education, and their employment.

When people are stressed out about the future and worried about how to handle the present, they can’t focus. That disrupts morale, profits, and productivity.

Nobody needs that — especially during a pandemic.

As their boss, you have the power to take one important stress off their plate.

Here’s how you can support your employees during Covid.

1. Communicate Clearly About All Changes

We’re months into this pandemic now, but changes are still happening daily. This is unnerving and unsettling for everyone, especially your employees. Will they have a job next week? Are they going to have to return to the office before they feel safe to do so? What about their benefits?

Don’t leave them guessing. That’s how rumors spread, and rumors can completely disrupt your business.

Instead, be clear about what you know.

Communicate frequently, and in detail, about everything.

Tell employees about precautions you intend to take when they return to the office. Be crystal clear about company changes.

If you’re forced to reduce benefits, be clear on the timeline. One company stopped matching 401K contributions, but promised their employees they would return to matching once the economy of their company stabilized. This helped employees feel less that something was being taken from them, and more like they were all in this together for a short time.

2. Support Your Employees During Covid — Remind About Their Mental Health Benefits

This pandemic is dragging on, and mental health is being affected in everyone. If your company offers mental health benefits, be sure to remind your employees to take advantage of them. This communicates to your employees that they are important to you. And it gives them something tangible to do to improve their personal situations.

If you don’t already have one, create a culture where employees feel safe focusing on their mental health. Encourage them to exercise, meditate, and take breaks. This is a smart way to support your employees during Covid.

3. Be Thoughtful in Employee Reviews

Everyone is adapting to a “new normal,” and frankly, it sucks. When conducting employee reviews, focus on the positive ways your employees are adapting to the many changes. Compliment them on how they’ve pivoted and innovated. Thank them for contributing to the company when things are so hard.

4. Encourage Learning and Development

We need to focus on other things than Covid right now. We just do.

Provide access to learning and development programs for your employees to take advantage of. Not only will this help them take their mind off stress, it will provide them with new skills they can use right now to improve your company.

5. Show Appreciation with a Gift

Everyone loves getting gifts. Whether your staff is in the office or working remotely from home or a coworking space, a thoughtful gift will boost moods. A gift shows your employees they mean something to your company. It shows that you understand they’re going through a lot. And it shows that they are appreciated.

From a yoga mat to encourage wellness to gifts for your employees’ kids (who are also going through their own upheaval), a gift can help your employees stay motivated and productive.

Check out our guide for ideas: Gifts That Show Your Staff You Care