Contributed by Chris Kirksey, an EO member in Washington, DC, and the CEO of Direction Inc., a Washington, DC-based SEO and SEO software agency. Chris is a US Army Veteran and mentor for US military service members transitioning into the civilian world.

As entrepreneurs transition and adjust to changes the pandemic caused in their companies, how can they build—or rebuild—not only a business but also a team of like-minded individuals with a common purpose or goal?

The pandemic brought both global physical and mental health concerns. This means that creating a work environment geared toward purpose, creativity and happiness is key to employee retention.

For the first time in human history, we are experiencing how energy moves through populations at large. Creating an island of peace during a time of fear and uncertainty can seem impossible. But it’s not. And as an entrepreneur, I’m sure you enjoy the challenge of “impossible” anyways.

Creating joy and purpose in work

As a company leader, one of your foremost goals is to ignite a vibrant company culture with energy that inspires common goals and overall growth. We have to think not only about what we do daily, but also what kind of human beings we are. You can build a brand, design a product and be the next great innovator, but if you’re not a pleasant and driven human being, what’s the point?