The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be both a physical and mental health concern across the globe. As the economy struggles and businesses seek to adapt, it’s more important than ever to support staff well being. By offering adequate support to your team, you are far more likely to meet the challenges that the pandemic has presented.
By TEAM SAVANT
Image: Brooke Cagle on Unsplash
1 . Provide Regular Updates
Transparency is crucial during these difficult times. It’s important to provide your staff with regular updates surrounding COVID-19 protocol. Updates could include the expected duration of furlough schemes or roadmaps for returning to the office after COVID-19. Provide staff with info about how you plan to adhere to health and social distancing policies. Invite them to ask questions about their concerns. Staff should be provided with enough info so that they can answer COVID-19 questions from customers or B2B clients.
2. Encourage Leave
With airlines cancelling their flights, it’s unlikely that we will be travelling abroad any time soon. Employees may be reluctant to use up their holiday time if they can’t travel, however, you should advise them to take some time off anyway. Working during this stressful time without any holiday will leave staff feeling burnt out. Encourage employees to take at least a week off to relax and practice self-care.
3. Employee Assistance Program
An Employee Assistance Programme is a special scheme designed to help staff with their personal issues. These issues may be work or non-work related. EAP schemes are useful to help staff cope with stress, talk out their problems, and find coping techniques. An EAP program provides your employees with a counsellor who they can communicate with through an easy to use online platform. The EAP counsellor can offer help on several topics, including health and safety concerns, family and relationships, financial problems or work problems. To find out more, click here for a top-quality EAP Program.
4. Offer Wellbeing Resources
It’s useful to provide your staff members with wellbeing resources so they can put their mental health first. Websites that offer mental health support include Mind, Anxiety UK, Rethink and Mental Health Foundation. Useful applications for self-care and wellbeing include Shine, Happify and Calm.
5. Social Catch Ups
Arrange social catch-ups for your team, even if working remotely. These could be virtual drinks, quizzes, or just regular catch-ups. Setting aside even 30 minutes a week, for a non-work related chat, could do wonders for anyone who is struggling. Ensure that your team knows that you are ready to listen to their issues. Advise them to contact you if they need guidance. Encourage staff to share how they’ve been finding the lockdown, aiming to create a safe space for everyone to speak openly.
For further advice on supporting your team throughout COVID-19, take a look at the WHO website. Here you’ll find advice on everything from workplace social distancing to advocacy and COVID-19 FAQS. While the pandemic has presented us with many difficulties it’s important to also recognise the opportunities. Working remotely can help to lower your business travel costs, save on utilities and save time.