You're a social worker who has to support colleagues remotely. How can you make sure they feel heard?

1 Choose the right channel

Depending on the situation and the purpose of your communication, you may want to use different channels to reach out to your colleagues. For example, if you need to share urgent information or updates, you may use email, text, or phone calls. If you want to have a more in-depth conversation or check-in, you may prefer video calls, webinars, or online forums. Think about what channel suits your message, your audience, and your tone best, and be flexible and responsive to your colleagues' preferences and availability.

2 Listen actively and empathetically

One of the most important skills for any social worker is active listening, which means paying attention, showing interest, and giving feedback to the speaker. When you communicate remotely, you may need to use different cues and strategies to show that you are listening and empathizing with your colleagues. For example, you may use verbal affirmations, such as "I hear you", "I understand", or "That sounds difficult", to acknowledge their feelings and experiences. You may also use non-verbal cues, such as nodding, smiling, or maintaining eye contact, to convey your attention and empathy. Additionally, you may use open-ended questions, paraphrasing, or summarizing, to clarify and reflect on what your colleagues are saying.

3 Express appreciation and recognition

Another way to make your colleagues feel heard and valued is to express your appreciation and recognition for their work and contributions. This can help boost their morale, motivation, and self-esteem, as well as foster a positive and supportive work culture. You can express your appreciation and recognition in various ways, such as sending a thank-you note, giving a shout-out in a team meeting, sharing a success story, or offering a reward or incentive. Make sure your expressions are genuine, specific, and timely, and that they match your colleagues' preferences and personalities.

5 Provide resources and referrals

Sometimes, your colleagues may need more than just a listening ear or a word of encouragement. They may face challenges or issues that require professional help or guidance, such as mental health problems, legal matters, or personal crises. In such cases, you should be ready to provide them with relevant resources and referrals, such as online counseling services, employee assistance programs, or community organizations. You should also follow up with them and monitor their progress and well-being, and offer additional support or assistance if needed.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?