Strategies for navigating COVID-19,
Curated by the Lean In Team

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the resources I can make available to others through the work I’m involved in – especially in this time of COVID-19. Please find below, a curated list by Lean In, a group I’m grateful to be part of, empowering women around the world working through this difficult time.

OVERVIEW

The team at Lean In is thinking a lot about how the COVID-19 crisis is affecting all of us. Many of us are working a “double double” shift. We’ve turned our homes into offices and schools. We’re deeply worried about our kids and our parents. And although our daily lives have changed dramatically, some employers haven’t adjusted their expectations.

And of course, many members of our community are dealing with much greater hardships. They’re on the frontlines of this crisis as emergency care workers. They’re immunocompromised and deeply afraid for their health. They’ve lost their jobs and are worried about paying their bills. They’re experiencing domestic abuse. These issues are real – and it’s painful to think about how many women in our community are impacted by one or more of them. As much as all of us want to, there isn’t much we can do to change the state of things, but we can be here for each other in small ways that matter. We can practice deep listening, share coping strategies, and share moments of joy. To help how we can, Lean In is pulling together materials and expert advice on the topics that many of you and your Circle members are grappling with right now.

ADVOCATING FOR YOURSELF AT WORK – ASK FOR WHAT YOU NEED

CNN Business, Here’s how to ask for the schedule you need:

While many workplaces are supporting increased flexibility, it can still be difficult to talk to your boss about adjusting your schedule. This CNN article highlights some practical tips on how to approach the conversation regardless of why you need it.

Gallup, Leading Remotely: What Managers Need to Keep Teams Engaged –

It can be challenging for some teams to go partially or fully digital. As leaders of projects, people, or companies, learn strategies on how to lead remotely—either as a manager yourself, or how you can support your manager and team.

Refinery 29, What To Do If Your Company Doesn’t Have A WFH Policy Yet

Read strategic tips for how to communicate to your boss or team that you want to work from home, whether they have a work-from-home policy in place or not.

Wall Street Journal, Coronavirus Job: What the Boss Can—and Can’t—Make You Do

The Wall Street Journal consulted employment lawyers and other workplace experts about all things logistics related to your employment during a public health crisis. Noting this speaks largely to a U.S. audience.

Lean In, How to Have Difficult Conversations and Stay True to Yourself

It is precisely at those times when communication is most vital to achieving your goals that it breaks down most dramatically.

Thrive Global, Think Done Instead of Perfect

Striving for perfect can set you up for failure. Instead, change your mindset around how to accomplish your goals.

BUILDING AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS VIRTUALLY

HBR, What Your Coworkers Need Right Now Is Compassion

Now more than ever, we want to lean into compassion and kindness with others. Everyone is handling and showing up differently, and that’s okay.

TED, TED Talk: How the internet enables intimacy

Stefana Broadbent’s research shows how communication technology is capable of cultivating deeper relationships.

WBUR, All Of My Friendships Are Virtual Again

Read this personal story about what it means to take friendships virtual—and what opportunities going digital provides to meet new people.

Forbes, Five Practices To Build Authentic Relationships At Work

Go back to the basics for how to intentionally build meaningful relationships. Even if it feels forced at the beginning, it may lead to something fruitful.

Forbes, Trust Is The Currency For The Crisis: Invest In It

How you treat people now counts. While uncertainty and fear mounts, so does our chance to build trust with neighbors, loved ones, or coworkers.

TIPS FOR WORKING MOMS

New York Times, “I Feel Like I Have Five Jobs’: Moms Navigate the Pandemic”

With school closures and many places enacting shelter-in-place laws, many women are facing added duties and double shifts. If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. Read stories and tips from parents navigating this new reality.

A “normal” schedule during a global pandemic is largely impossible for working parents. Learn how to ease the burden with tips like communicating with partners and employers and setting realistic expectations.

CNN Business, How to work from home with kids (without losing it)

There’s plenty of advice on the logistics of dividing housework—but read what a truly supportive dual-career relationship might look like.

New York Times, Parents Share Their Tiny Victories While Working From Home With Kids

Working from home with kids can be chaos—read how some parents reframed what success looks like balancing kids and family.

The Atlantic, The Coronavirus Is a Disaster for Feminism

When pandemics like COVID-19 arise, it becomes apparent who does the majority of caregiving and housework: women. In fact, it can reinforce and widen existing inequalities.