We are living in turbulent times, and there is no certainty amongst employers and employees alike about what tomorrow will hold. This causes high levels of anxiety and is negatively impacting the mental well-being of the South African workforce. With level 3 lockdown coming to an end, we will gain some freedom; however, the majority of employees will still be required/ encouraged to work remotely. With employees still working remotely, employers are encouraged to attend to the mental health needs of their workforce.
The following guidelines can be followed by employers to ensure that anxiety or stress is kept at a minimum:
1. Keep connected. By now, the majority of the population has started using communication technology to stay connected with each other. This section serves as a reminder to the reader of the importance of scheduling meetings to discuss issues, opportunities, or even to check up on your employees. Setting up a call schedule can help ensure you regularly check in with your employees to see if they’re coping well and keeping healthy. Tip: Use video calls as much as possible to see how your employees and colleagues are holding up physically, and to personalise the experience for the people you are contacting.
2. Remember to switch off too. During this time of remote working, most of us have fallen into the trap of sitting in front of our screens from the start of business until after work. It is important to remind employees to take regular screen breaks and discourage out-of-hours logins. Excessive time online can be detrimental to mental well-being.
3. Be open and honest. Employees are already worried about the developments of the coronavirus, the future of the organisation, the future of the country’s economy, etc. As an employer or manager, it is crucial to manage employee anxiety as much as possible. To achieve this, be open and honest with employees about the business’s current situation and future plans. This will eliminate some uncertainty and might even give your employees back a sense of control. Tip: Ensure that management conveys a consistent message throughout the organisation. Avoid confusion amongst employees!
4. Spot the signs of stress. Knowing the signs of stress or burnout can help you provide support before a situation gets worse. As a manager, ensure that you educate yourself on what to look out for. Some symptoms include low energy, headaches, insomnia, and irritability. If an employee displays signs of burnout, they may benefit from a break or even a confidential chat.
5. Highlight support. Reminding staff that support is available when needed can serve as a good safety net for their well-being. Share details of your Employee Assistance Program if you have one, or signpost extra support.
6. Regain routine. Lastly, the lockdown has disrupted the routines of many people. But routine can be beneficial for mental well-being. Employees who work remotely need a routine that suits their needs.
During these times, employers or managers should use every available tool to ensure business success, and improving the well-being of their workforce can prove to be a great tool to achieve this.
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