Your team is facing a major company restructuring. How can you uplift their morale?

Tone and word choice are so important in landing the message correctly during any part of business life, but especially important during restructuring. Strike the right tone by being direct, concise, and clear. This will ensure that you communicate openly and transparently – a small mercy within the context of the changes in play.

Starting a conversation is crucial when restructuring. You have to make sure that no one on your team is in the dark. Provide as much detail as you can regarding the modifications and their causes. Motivate your staff to ask questions and share their worries, and respond to them right away. This openness promotes trust and lessens some of the nervousness that accompanies uncertainty

In leading a discourse-based NGO, I’ve seen firsthand how essential open dialogue is during times of restructuring -- ensuring that your team isn't left in the dark is crucial for maintaining morale and trust. I always make it a point to share as much information as possible about upcoming changes and the rationale behind them. Encouraging team members to voice their concerns and questions is just as important. By addressing these promptly, you create an environment of transparency that helps alleviate the anxiety often associated with uncertainty. Open dialogue isn’t just a communication strategy; it’s a trust-building exercise that strengthens your team’s resilience and commitment to the organization’s mission.

Leading the Institute for Youth in Policy has taught me the immense value of empowering team members to express their thoughts and ideas during a restructuring process. Allowing your team to have a voice gives them a sense of control and demonstrates that you genuinely value their input. Facilitate sessions where team members can share their insights and suggestions on navigating the transition smoothly. This inclusion fosters a culture of innovation and often leads to creative solutions that leadership might not have considered. Moreover, when team members feel heard and involved, it builds a stronger collective commitment to the new direction, making the transition more successful for everyone involved.

Changes can be worrying and can affect team morale. At such times it's crucial to allow your team to express what they feel. It's normal for them to reject, worry, show uncertainty, or maybe be ready to ride along. It's great to foster this and give them reassurance. If they have any ambiguity work together with them to melt them out. Show them how that restructure may be a positive factor to their career. Let them know the reasons and give them the chance to contribute and support

Change can be challenging, and acknowledging the hard work and resilience of your team is crucial. Whether through public praise, tokens of appreciation, or simply a heartfelt thank you, recognition can significantly boost morale. When people feel seen and appreciated, it motivates them to keep pushing forward, even when things are tough. Recognizing effort isn’t just about saying thank you; it’s about reinforcing the value each team member brings to the table and fostering a supportive, encouraging work environment.

Offer unwavering support to uplift your team during restructuring. By providing tangible assistance such as tailored training, flexible work arrangements, and accessible support resources, you demonstrate genuine care for their well-being. This proactive approach not only helps them navigate the transition but also reinforces their value as employees, fostering a sense of security and trust. Remember, your support is the bedrock upon which to rebuild morale and drive future success.