Uncertainty kills: How to lead, adapt and be agile in a crisis

Uncertainty is inevitable in life but during the pandemic, our sense of normality shifted more than ever.

As HR professionals faced new, daily challenges, it was easy to be overwhelmed by the enormity of the situation.

But with seismic changes comes great opportunity to lead, adapt and be agile in the face of adversity.

Karlie Cremin, director at DLPA, said it is vital to engage with employees during these everchanging times.

“Uncertainty is the greatest productivity killer,” she told HRD. “There's a lot of studies which show that people have less of a stress response to a definite negative outcome than compared to an uncertain outcome.

“For this reason, it is crucial that HR engage with their team to lower feelings of uncertainty and build a tolerance for the unknown.”

Cremin is set to share her insights and practical guidance in an upcoming webinar - Doing Things Differently - How to Engage Your Team in Radical Change.

While we’re now through the most dramatic workplace shift, a sense of uncertainty looks set to continue well into 2021.

If HR leaders fail to engage with employees, a loss of productivity will be the first major consequence.

But employers also risk losing their most talented staff, something no business wants to experience during next year’s drive towards recovery.

“We are seeing the workforce become a bit more mobile now, and more willing to look for other jobs,” Cremin said.

“There is also the risk of having elevated stress in the workplace as well, which will see increased absenteeism and increased risk of workplace injuries.”

As minds shift to next year’s goals, one thing is clear: Reacting to uncertainty has never been more important.

To hear insight and expert guidance, sign up to the DLPA webinar - Doing Things Differently - How to Engage Your Team in Radical Change.