Providing Steady Guidance in Uncertain Times: What Employees Need from Leaders, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in a period of significant uncertainty for businesses and their employees, as organizations navigated lockdowns, remote work transitions, and economic volatility, looking to their leaders for stability, direction, and support during this ambiguous and changing time when effective leadership is most critical. While the specific needs of employees in an environment of prolonged uncertainty have not been fully addressed, this article explores key leadership behaviors and practices that can bolster employee morale, engagement, and well-being during turbulent times based on guiding principles of transparency, empathy, and a long-term vision that will best position leaders to weather uncertainty. Specifically, research suggests employees need clarity and communication through frequent, transparent updates; psychological safety and support addressing well-being, resilience, and pressure points; meaningful work and growth connecting responsibilities to purpose and fostering development; and collaboration and teamwork through designated teams solving problems and preventing isolation. The article provides targeted recommendations, such as regular all-hands meetings, central information channels, frequent check-ins, establishing counseling resources, assessing workload priorities, articulating organizational purpose, rotational assignments, cross-functional task forces, and virtual team building. Industry examples illustrate specific strategies like increased communications in tech, manager "walk-arounds" in hospitality, banking course subsidies, retailers' rapid response teams, and appreciation gestures in utilities. In conclusion, effectively guiding employees through prolonged uncertainty depends upon leaders upholding principles of transparency, empathy, and vision while attending to the crucial needs of clarity, safety, purpose, and togetherness to strengthen organizational resilience through challenging times.