Remote workers and mental health
With the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, many industries and businesses have had to rethink their stand on flexibility. Due to government-mandated isolation, the majority of the workforce takes place now on work from home basis. Of course, this is only temporary, but flexible arrangements have become the new norm around the world. Our daily living routines are disrupted, causing added anxiety, stress and strain. This disruption and uncertainty may lead to anxiety and stress. Now more than ever, we must take care of our mental health and well-being.
Remote workers may find this time extremely difficult. To top it all, the society has attached a certain kind of stigma in talking about mental health. Failing to acknowledge an employee’s mental health may lead to severe consequences like hurting productivity and professional relationships at the workplace. There is no alternative than professional support, but here are a few tips to take care of your employees:
Company mental health policy
It is a must to have a mental health policy for any company to offer safe space for employees. Talk to your HR team and research and create one, if you don’t have one already. Keep in mind that an employer should be more flexible, sensitive and open-minded.
Provide free screening tools
This will give your employees a chance to assess their risks and seek support when and if, needed. You can also empower your leaders and managers with mental health training. This will help them feel heard and supported.
Mindfulness professional or coach
Leadership or mental health coaching can work wonders. In times of crisis, a professional helping with stress or anxiety can be extremely useful. A meditation teacher can also help check up on your employees.
Staying Connected
Not having to leave the house for work, employers might not interact with anyone for days. It might contribute to feelings of isolation. Connect with them and support their mental health. Platforms such as Slack and Zoom make it easy for teams to work together even when they’re physically apart. Video calls are the next best thing to an in-person meeting. They’re ideal for talking out issues, Encourage employees to communicate not just for work-related reasons, but for socializing, too.
Encourage Physical Fitness
Exercise may help people gain a sense of accomplishment, and that could be what employers need now. It will also help them break their day between work and personal time. You can set rewards for this.
Shahjadi Jemim Rahman