Anxiety is not an uncommon feeling for any employee, especially now that the times are very uncertain. The onset of the coronavirus pandemic has made this feeling even stronger, including the social issues happening in various parts of the globe.
The impact of this anxiety varies per employee, but most would display signs of having mental health problems that have to be addressed before it becomes severe. Companies are aware of how mental health can affect their employees’ productivity and overall well-being, creating steps to help out.
But, with the pandemic and shifts in the workforce, how can you help protect employees’ mental health?
Here are some points you can raise to your boss to help with efforts to support employees’ mental health.
Be Aware And Vulnerable
With the unpredictability of today’s environment, everyone has experienced anxiety somehow. However, it is not often that people talk about their anxiety because of the stigma it brings, especially to those in power.
Ask your bosses to lead the effort in removing the stigma about anxiety and speaking about how they are dealing with the problem. Speaking out can also make your bosses appear relatable for everyone and build trust.
Offer Flexibility And Get Everyone Involved
As the team leader or boss, they need to be aware that change is constant for everyone, and they will need to be up-to-date with everything going on. Recommend your bosses to check in with everyone regularly, especially during transitions. Don’t hesitate to assist in helping with issues that may come up and raise the efforts in protecting employee mental health.
You should also help your bosses adapt to any challenges to reduce the stress everyone is experiencing. The team should also be informed to be understanding as the entire team tries to adapt and be patient.
Open Communication
There are times when managers, team leaders, and bosses do not communicate with their employees. The absence of communication increases the possibility of employees experiencing mental health problems and reduced productivity.
Please speak to your manager, team leaders and bosses and encourage them to talk to each employee to see what can be done to reduce their stress. Open communication can also clarify that mental health issues should be addressed.
Get Training
Some companies do not have a clear strategy for employee mental health because they do not have the training to deal with its problems. As a result, they tend to use one solution for everyone even though it will not work for each employee.
Try starting training sessions or advocate for one for everyone to attend, so they know mental health and how to help people experiencing mental health problems.
Advocate For Work-Life Balance
To keep the work environment healthy, companies should advocate work-life balance. Work-life balance reduces the possibility of employees burning out and helps them handle stress better.
If your company still does not advocate work-life balance, raise the issue with your bosses and explain the benefits of work-life balance for everyone and the company.
Conclusion
Mental health problems should not be taken lightly, especially now that everything is uncertain around us. Fortunately, there are ways to help employees with their mental health problems even if work challenges and their current work conditions are presented. Speak to your bosses if you see the need to raise awareness regarding mental health and assist in whatever way you can to ensure everyone gets the help they need.
Mental well-being is important to everyone. Here are some of my thoughts on mental well-being in the workplace: How to Manage Pandemic Fatigue in Your Workplace Guest Post – Working While Mentally Ill – Can High Functioning Be Done? Conversation with Patty Wolters on Unemployment During Pandemic Times
Can’t get enough of MiddleMe? You can find me sharing my thoughts here as well: Instagram @kallymiddleme Twitter (MiddleMe_net) FaceBook (MiddleMe.net) LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/kallytay
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