It’s been the awakening that many people have been waiting for – the return of normalcy.  As the weather breaks and the mandates are lifted / modified, people are more comfortable returning to the life they had before the pandemic.  They can finally exhale and get back to living.  While that may be true for some, that is not the case for everyone.

Recently, a governor was caught telling students that they no longer needed to wear masks and asked them to remove their masks during his speaking engagement.  His action is a critical reminder that we are not all in the same place.  It’s important that as you begin to revise your COVID-19 mandates, you need to recognize that staff members are not in the same place.  There are some that will be ready to ditch the mask as soon as you announce the changes; while others will choose to still wear them.  Or, some will want to maintain distance while others don’t. Regardless of their choice, they are both right in their feelings, and they both should be supported.

As we begin to settle into a new and improved normalcy, ensure that your people managers recognize this will look different for everyone.  Provide them with the resources and support needed to navigate this space with their team so everyone feels supported.  The role of a people leader is multifaceted and always changing, especially in these times.  Leading with emotional intelligence and resilience will help your managers support their staff where needed.