Resource Kit

Transitioning To a New Normal

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BetterUp Studios
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7 min

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This resource kit was hand-selected by researchers at BetterUp to help our members live their lives with clarity, purpose, and passion during challenging times.

Major disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic create dramatic shifts in “business as usual.” For example, you might come back to an office space that is more spread out and the dynamics of your interactions with your colleagues may change. You might experience that returning to a new reality comes with more challenges or surprises than anticipated.

This resource kit is a guide designed to help leaders and their employees navigate the experience of returning to a new normal at work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn how to:

  • Empathize with employees and address their needs
  • Refocus on what’s ahead and align to new strategic goals
  • Lean into creativity to turn challenges into opportunities
  • Manage energy to stay motivated

This kit also includes a handy checklist for managers to use as guidance. Keep in mind that change is not linear. This process is iterative due to our constantly changing world, so you will likely need to return to it frequently.

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Here are 3 recommended steps for transitioning back to work:

Step 1: Prepare for upcoming changes

Before your company has even decided to return employees to the workplace, you’ll need to start building the groundwork for the transition back. Each team member will have unique challenges and concerns. Your responsibility is to communicate and triage topics that you might never have worried about before.

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Step 2: Coach your team as changes continue to unfold

Returning to your new normal means that you’ll continue to discover new and unexpected challenges. It may take extra energy for you and your employees to stay energized, resilient, and motivated. You will need to continue to focus on recognizing, rewarding, and guiding individuals where needed.

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Step 3: Create a new, energizing, and realistic vision of the future

A clear strategic plan allows everyone to align around common goals and expectations. Unwelcome change can be a catalyst for progress.

As a leader, you’ll need to anticipate what’s ahead and develop creative solutions to navigate uncharted territory. In the process, you may discover opportunities to rethink what you do and how you do it.

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BetterUp Studios
BetterUp Studios creates and curates research-backed content, activities, and tools to help people everywhere pursue their lives with greater clarity, purpose, and passion.

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