Building Team Resilience During COVID-19: Nurturing for Self and Team

Posted on December 9, 2020 by LeadingAge

Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn, Associated Clinic of Psychology

Our focus this week is on providing small doses of nurturing—for yourself and your team— in order to build resilience for all. In addition to the compliments we discussed in last week’s article, a focus on what’s most nurturing at a basic level can be very helpful to restore a sense of comfort in the most difficult times.

For team members, it is a reminder that supervisors and other leaders have their well-being in mind— despite all the pressures and demands placed on senior care workers each day. By the way, that includes you.

Here are some examples of things you and your team will experience as “nurturing” at the most basic levels. Be the best role model and try one yourself.

1. People often share food at this time of year. Because of COVID-19, this tradition requires changes but doesn’t have to go away completely. Think about packaged snacks and fruits with a thick peel as options for sharing some nutrition and sweet treats with your team or just for you.
2. Humor is very nurturing. Find out what makes team members laugh and incorporate those things in the workplace on a bulletin board or as verbal exchange. Just sharing this with each other is a way to build team resilience.
3. Tell each other how you practiced relaxation or de-stressing recently. Examples of relaxation can include warm baths, walk outdoors, play, talking with friends, exercise all count. Have a contest for who can do it most regularly and reward the winner with a small recognition prize or gift card.

Additional Support for Staff and Leaders

LeadingAge Minnesota’s COVID-19 Staff Coping & Support Line number is 612-445-8656 or email covidsupport@acp-mn.com. This free service is open to any staff to schedule a 20-minute coaching call. A professionally trained coach will listen to a caller’s concerns and help them create a coping roadmap for stress relief.