When the world feels shaky—economically, socially, or organizationally—your team feels it too.  Whether it’s a looming recession, internal restructuring, or external uncertainty, these moments test more than your operations—they test your culture. And for small and medium-sized businesses, where every person plays a vital role, how you support employees during turbulent times can either deepen loyalty or drive disengagement. Let’s break down why that matters—and what you can do about it. Why Employee Support Matters More Than Ever When uncertainty rises, so does stress. According to the American Psychological Association, 59% of employees say work is a significant source of stress—and that number spikes during times of change. The consequences?📉 Lower productivity📉 Higher turnover📉 Decreased morale📉 Lost trust But here’s the opportunity: SMBs that show up for their people during tough times earn long-term commitment and respect. Companies that invest in employee well-being see lower absenteeism and turnover rates. What Real Support Looks Like (Beyond Free Coffee) It’s not about grand gestures—it’s about consistency, care, and creating a sense of stability in an unstable time. Here are five things you can do to support your team through turbulence: 1. Be Transparent, Even If the News Isn’t Good People can handle tough news—what they can’t handle is being left in the dark. Be honest about what’s happening, what it means, and how it might impact them. Even just saying “we don’t have all the answers yet” builds trust. Leaders who are transparent build psychological safety, which is a key component of employee engagement. 💬”The impact of psychological safety extends far beyond the soft stuff: it substantially contributes to team effectiveness, learning, employee retention, and—most critically—better decisions and better performance.” McKinsey 2. Offer Flexibility Where You Can Turbulent times don’t just hit at work—they affect families, finances, and mental health. Offering flexibility (in hours, location, or workload) gives people space to deal with life while staying connected to their job. This kind of flexibility is no longer a nice-to-have. 72% of employees who are dissatisfied with the current level of job flexibility are likely to look for a new job within the next year. 3. Recognize and Appreciate, Often When people are stressed or uncertain, appreciation can be an anchor. Don’t wait for major milestones—recognize effort, resilience, and the small wins that keep the wheels turning. At LIVD, we believe in lifestyle-based recognition—letting people choose rewards that fit their life, from a fitness class to a night out or even pet care. 4. Support Mental and Emotional Well-being Burnout is real—and during turbulent times, it’s even more widespread. Normalize conversations about mental health, encourage breaks, and point employees toward resources that can help. 💡 Pro tip: Consider using LIVD to offer custom lifestyle benefits that support well-being, like mindfulness apps, wellness retreats, or home office upgrades. 5. Let Them Help Shape the Path Forward Want to build loyalty? Involve your people in decisions that impact them. When employees feel heard and trusted, they’re more engaged—even when things aren’t perfect. This could mean gathering feedback, co-creating solutions, or simply asking: “What would help you feel more supported right now?” What Makes LIVD Different? LIVD was built to help small and growing businesses take better care of their people—especially when times get tough. We offer personalized lifestyle benefits that make employees feel recognized, supported, and valued in real ways. No one-size-fits-all perks. No admin headaches. Just simple, human recognition that works. Final Thought: The Moment to Show Up Is Now You don’t need a huge budget to build a culture of care—you just need intention, consistency, and the right tools. Supporting your people when it matters most doesn’t just help them—it builds a workplace they want to stick around for. If you’re looking for a partner in making that happen, LIVD’s got your back. 👉 Learn more about how we help teams thrive through change