3 Things Caterers Can Do to Boost Team Morale

Let’s start by saying: We’re all in this together. Although we all may be facing different challenges throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re all sitting in the same boat waiting to make it to shore. As most, if not all, of us have had to close down our brick-and-mortars and take our work home, one of the biggest obstacles to remote work in a time of crisis is staying motivated and productive.

With news on the television and all of the distractions of being at home, morale can start to sink — especially when all of society is self-isolating and social distancing. As a leader to your team, you need to be the one to pick up your employees and boost their morale. Here are a few ways to get started.

Focus on positivity

All you have to do is turn on the news to see constant COVID-19 updates with a hint of fear mongering. There’s plenty of negativity to dwell on, so you need to be the light in your company and bring positivity to the table for your team. Share sweet photos, funny (and tasteful) memes, and uplifting stories to keep your team in good spirits and discuss the future of the company from a confident and anticipatory perspective.

“We need to focus on the great things we did before this pandemic and how we are going to do them better when we get the chance to do them again, soon!” says Adam Gooch of Common Plea Catering.

Get your team together for a virtual chat session to talk about what everyone’s working on and brainstorm some fun projects to get them excited for what lies ahead. We must combat the fear with positivity.

Practice empathy and active listening

There’s a good chance that your team members are feeling all sorts of emotions. In fact, you’re likely feeling many of the same things. In situations of crisis, together is better than apart — let your team know that your virtual door is open to talk about anything that’s on their minds. We are business owners and managers, yes, but we are humans first.

“Be sure to talk about more than work,” encourages Alan Berg of Wedding Business Solutions, LLC. “Let them vent, but empathize, don’t sympathize. If you buy into the negativity, you’re digging a deeper hole. Lead them out of the hole and help them see the positivity. If you do weddings, that industry will survive.” 

Be flexible

The best thing you can do for your team members right now is to be understanding about their time. We are all trying to make do with the resources we have, but there’s no question that many people are strained.

Parents who are working from home are suddenly finding themselves as homeschool teachers. Employees are now sharing their work space with family members and are not always afforded a private space to work. Others may be food-insecure or worried about how they’ll pay next month’s rent. Some may even be caretakers for family members who have fallen ill. 

The truth is that we are all facing our own challenges in relation to COVID-19, so leaders must be sensitive and compassionate when working with employees. It’s not a time for micro-management; people want to work and earn their next paycheck, but for now, they need to find a way to make it happen within their current situation.

“Let them know what’s expected of them and allow them the freedom in their schedule to get those things done,” urges Berg.

The pandemic is unpredictable, but not permanent. We will get through this and we will do so together. On the other side, our teams will be stronger as a result of this crisis. Until then, all we can do is remain positive and continue supporting our team’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing (and, of course, our own).