Tips For Supporting Employee Mental Health During a Pandemic

At the beginning of 2020, no one would have imagined that most of the world would be battling with a pandemic. COVID-19 has impacted not only the physical health of people but their mental health as well. Sadly, very many people are struggling with mental health in the workplace. There have been spikes in PTSD, depression, substance abuse, and domestic violence. For this reason, managers and business owners need to step up and offer as much support as possible to their employees who are struggling with their mental health. Although we are living in uncertain times, employers can still play a major role in supporting their workers’ mental health. Here are some of the ways on how to support employee mental health during a pandemic.

Be Honest About your Mental Health

One of the simplest ways of supporting your employee’s mental health is becoming vulnerable. The truth is the pandemic has normalised mental health challenges and almost everyone has been affected. Mental health experts reckon that stigma can decrease when people in power come out and share their experiences. As a leader, talking about your mental health challenges opens up the door for employees to also open up to you about their mental challenges.

Offer Mental Health Resources

Companies need to strive to offer comprehensive mental health resources. You can use technology to do this because it is an excellent enabler. Many firms are using video conferences and other collaboration tools to maintain relationships and discuss work with co-workers which may have a positive effect on the well-being of employees. You can provide virtual education, meditation platforms, and licensed counsellors on call to help employees learn stress management and coping mechanisms.

Be Flexible

As a leader, it is important to note that one solution cannot work for everyone, especially during these trying times. Remind yourself that everyone is trying to adjust to a ‘new normal’, some are taking care of their families, or just struggling with heightened stress and mental health concerns. At this time, flexibility is essential for helping employees as they make the adjustments that are best not only for them but for their families as well. Flexibility might imply you have to adjust work hour expectations or allowing some workers to remain off internal instant messaging programs during the day. You might also have to provide breathing room for deadlines especially the internal ones so that employees can adjust well into their new work environment and schedules.

Get Outside Help

Understandably, as an employer, you may not have all the answers when it comes to supporting your employee’s mental health. But you can still help by investing in outside help from the professionals. Joyful Living is one of the best choices you have when it comes to this. We are a top UK company that specialises in offering at work and online services that help look after employees so that your business can thrive. Joyful Living organises helpful mental health workshops as well as training programmes that your employees will benefit from.

Learn More

Do you require more information on how you can better support your employees during the recent global pandemic? Speak with our friendly team and discover more about how you can support employee wellbeing. Contact our friendly team of Joyful Living experts today and further explore our services.