The current global coronavirus pandemic has forced millions of employees around the world to work from home. Though this careful step is indeed saving lives by preventing the transmission of COVID-19, it does pose some significant challenges to employees’ well-being.
More and more employees are dealing with stress, anxiety, isolation and in the weeks or months ahead, this may take a toll.
Many organisations have created guidelines on how to set daily routines and check-ins and trying to balance work and childcare – all while maintaining good overall health and exercise habits. Yet this support is not enough for all employees.
So, how can organisations support the mental health of their employees, many of whom have never before worked from home for a significant amount of time?
Here are some options that organisations should consider when promoting employees’ well-being and health during this crisis.
Offer More Flexibility
Working from home impacts every employee differently depending on their responsibilities and current living situations. With schools and childcare across the country closed, employees with young children need to maintain the balance between keeping the kids occupied while keeping up with their workload.
And that’s why it’s crucial for an employer to offer flexibility to match specific employee needs.
Managers need to have open conversations with their employees about when and how the assigned work can be accomplished and offer different, flexible options.
Show Empathy and Leadership
Employees may be feeling a sense of uncertainty, anxiety and heightened stress about their health, job and financial security. Managers should touch base and check in with their team on a daily basis and talk about things other than just work.
Remind employees to take mental and physical breaks, and most importantly to participate in other non-work-related activities like exercise and meditation to reduce anxiety.
Online Collaboration
It is easy to assume that employees will be effective working from home as long as they have the right technology but studies have revealed that working remotely is not as simple as it seems and conflict can emerge from different ways people communicate and use technology.
Some employees prefer to communicate via email; others may react quickly to chat programs. For some, reaching another person through a phone call is easier than other methods.
With the range of different platforms available, it is important for teams to work out which is the most effective way for them to work online as a team.
During this time of uncertainty and stress, the need to focus on your employees’ well-being and health is stronger than ever, and organisations can help by creating a caring work culture and implementing best practices for employee safety and wellbeing.
HBA Consulting specialises in the professional advice and assistance on Human Resource Management, Organisational Design and Industrial Relations matters. Contact us today if you need assistance with coaching or mentoring for managers with teams working remotely.
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