While 2020 really tested us, it also brought on insightful lessons about how we live, work and play. What’s really important to us? How do we manage our time? What legacy do we want to leave behind? With that rollercoaster year behind us, we ask Re Source Partners founders to share tips on how to be better and do better in 2021. 

Communicate more effectively

With teams working remotely, everyone had to adapt quickly and find new ways to stay connected. Shay Li, Director at Re Source Partners, agrees, “With many corporations and businesses focusing on ramping up the core functions virtually, the need for transparency in communication has never been more important.”

According to Shay, it’s important for employers or management to have consistency and transparency when it comes to internal communications to give employees assurance and security, especially in times of uncertainty. He shares some key learning points on how companies can communicate more effectively.

Provide digital and virtual channels

“While most organisations were equipped or have managed to transition efficiently, there were others that faced steep implementation challenges. The key is to ease the transition by providing employees with the resources they need to communicate safely and effectively.”

Be more proactive

“Companies should take a proactive approach, providing information timely, giving employees what they need, when they need it. Simple, transparent information delivered by leaders builds trust and employee loyalty. And make your internal communication two-way. Sometimes, a simple gesture of listening provides efficient dialogue between employers and employees.”

Have empathy

“By demonstrating empathy, kindness, and acknowledging emotions and avoiding judgement will allow leaders and co-workers to be better tuned-in to one another, making communication easier. This can forge greater collaboration virtually and in-person.”

Set goals

“Employees can keep their workforce motivated during difficult times by having clear, long-term goals. They can do this by building a multi-prong approach to communications—top-down, bottom-up, and side-by-side.”

Create a healthy work environment

Health and wellness were hot talking points in 2020. Months of working from home reiterated the importance of having a good work-life balance. 

“Healthy does not only mean being medically fit. It could also include having a healthy workplace environment,” says Kristin Bok, Director at Re Source Partners. Here are some tips from Kristin on how to foster better working relationships at work.

Establish a culture of transparency and honesty

“Being transparent about your personal or work circumstances to the people you work with—whether it be with your boss or your colleagues—is the best way to build trust and avoid miscommunication.”

Set the tone from Day 1

“Making new employees feel welcome makes a difference. Have their induction files ready and have everything set up to help ease anxiety on their first day. Give them a warm welcome by having a welcome lunch with the team. If you’re working from home, have it delivered to them and have a virtual team lunch.”

Schedule regular huddle sessions

“Huddle sessions can help keep everyone focused on their tasks. But you can also have informal ones like Happy Hour Fridays just to catch up on things outside of work. This can provide an avenue for employees to share or air their thoughts and concerns.”

Acknowledge employees’ merits

“Showing appreciation to employees who are going the extra mile, especially during difficult times, is extremely important. Not only can this encourage them, it also helps to keep them motivated and promote a greater sense of purpose in the company. You could even present them with an award to commemorate their achievements and hard work—try having a gift box dropped off at their home!”

Improve your personal branding

The good news is that you survived the new work arrangements of 2020. Take this a step further and level up your personal branding in 2021 to show current or potential employers who you really are and what you’re capable of. “Periods of uncertainty reinforce some harsh realities—no job is for life,” shares Xiaowen Li, Director at Re Source Partners. 

According to Xiaowen, developing a personal brand—while important—is often overlooked, as employees often give continuous learning and skills upgrading higher priority when trying to make themselves and their careers relevant. He gives some pointers to how to develop your personal brand.

Tell your story outside of your resume

“Your CV provides a snapshot of your career accomplishments but potential employers would be looking for alternate sources to get to know you as an individual. Having an active and consistent social media presence is a good place to start. What is your next social media post, and how will your future employer read it?”

Find your voice

“Social media gives everyone an opportunity to reach a wider audience. These days, you no longer need to be a celebrity to have a public platform. What causes do you stand for? What are your beliefs and values in life? Don’t be afraid to speak your mind and tell people what you stand for. This can also help employers see if your visions are aligned with the company.”

Be authentic

“Don’t just do it for the likes. You have to really mean what you say, engage deeply with the issues, and speak from the heart. Authenticity is what will make you stand out from the crowd. And remember that anything posted online is permanent.”