Madalyn Ciampi | Providence Promise executive director
The COVID-19 crisis has impacted nearly every aspect of life, and the roles of many nonprofits have grown as a result. Many are navigating the changing and increasing needs of our communities while working from home, where there is quite literally no work-life separation. This has brought unmanageable levels of stress and an increase in staff burnout. To ensure that our community receives authentic, high-quality service, we must first serve our staff. My tips:
• Normalize mental health: Checking in with staff is crucial, but only if it is authentic. Going beyond a simple, “How is everyone doing?” at the start of each meeting can show staff that their well-being is genuinely important to the team and to the organization. Encourage your staff to use paid time off for mental well-being, as well as physical health.
• Nine-to-five is not the gold standard for productivity: Without clear separation between work and everyday life, children being home, changes in family structure and general exhaustion and anxiety, not everyone will be able to sit at their computer for eight consecutive hours per day. Flexibility and adaptability are key.
• Be accessible and transparent: Project-management platforms are a great way to keep priorities clear and have a sense of what everyone on the team is doing. Shared calendars, multiple means of contact and weekly team meetings can go a long way in ensuring that your staff feels trusted and supported, but not suffocated.
