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5 Simple Ways Nonprofit Leaders Can Support Their Staff During Tough Times

Writer's picture: Genevieve WallerGenevieve Waller

Hello to all nonprofit directors and leaders out there! I hope you’re having a great day and making the best of the current environment. I’ve been hearing from many of you, as well as from staff members across various organizations, that things aren’t exactly easy right now in the management world. With that in mind, I wanted to offer some practical advice on how you can support your team during these challenging times.

I know what you might be thinking—“Not one more thing on my plate!” But trust me, these five simple tips are easy to implement and will show your staff that you care, helping them not only to weather the storm but to come out even stronger on the other side.


1. Extend Grace

Just as you’ve had to extend grace to your family and yourself, it’s important to do the same for your staff. Mistakes are inevitable, especially in stressful situations like the one we’re all facing now. Allow forgiveness and let your team know they have room to make mistakes. This understanding can go a long way in maintaining morale and encouraging a positive work environment.


2. Trust Your Team

As nonprofit leaders, our instinct is often to micromanage when things feel out of control. But remember, your staff were doing the work before the current crisis, and you trusted them then. It’s crucial to trust them now, allowing them the space to do their jobs in the way they see fit, even if it looks different from how it did before.


3. Prioritize Self-Care

This is a perfect opportunity to reinforce the importance of self-care, not just for yourself but for your entire team. Consider offering your staff 30 minutes at the start of their day dedicated to purposeful self-care, whether that’s reading, meditating, or exercising. By making self-care part of their workday, you’re helping them stay mentally and physically healthy, which is crucial for long-term productivity and well-being.


4. Consider Flexible Scheduling

If you haven’t already, think about implementing a flexible schedule for your team. Allowing employees to work at times that suit them best can lead to improved performance and satisfaction. And remember, not every meeting needs to be a Zoom call—trust your staff to manage their time effectively without constant check-ins.


5. Show Appreciation with Gifts

Just because you’re not in a traditional office environment doesn’t mean you should stop showing appreciation. Whether it’s arranging for lunch to be delivered, sending a heartfelt e-card, or gifting something tangible, small gestures can make a big impact. These actions show your staff that they are valued and that their hard work is recognized, even during tough times.


In Summary

To help your staff thrive during challenging periods, extend grace, trust them to do their jobs, prioritize self-care, offer flexible scheduling, and show appreciation in meaningful ways. These simple steps can help your team not just survive but thrive, ensuring that they’ll be with you through the storm and beyond.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope these tips help you and your team navigate these uncertain times.


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