3 suggestions for delivering a great employee experience during lockdown

During the COVID-19 lockdown, most organisations were rightly focused on survival. But checking on employees was equally important—and the two were not in conflict. Employers who neglected their people during the crisis paid for it afterward in reduced motivation, increased turnover, and diminished loyalty.

Three approaches made a meaningful difference for teams navigating lockdown:

First, help employees de-stress. Create outlets for relaxation—creative hours where people can intentionally take time out to unwind. Harvard Medical School research shows that activities like doodling actually improve attention and relieve stress during challenging times. Small gestures of intentional relief matter more than most managers expect.

Second, be supportive and maintain motivation. Recognition of individual contributions matters significantly, especially when employees are isolated and the normal feedback loops of office life have disappeared. Provide practical support for remote work challenges, including advice on home office setup and ergonomic considerations. People need to feel seen and supported to perform at their best.

Third, communicate regularly. Keeping employees informed through consistent updates helps them feel safe, informed, and grounded during uncertain periods. The absence of information is not neutral—people fill the void with anxiety. Regular communication is a form of care.

Employers reap in the future what they sow during a crisis. Organisations that invest in employee care during disruption see increased motivation, loyalty, and advocacy on the other side. How you treat your people when things are hard defines your culture more clearly than any values statement ever could.