Smart Benefits: 5 Ways to Support Employees’ Mental Health During COVID-19
Monday, March 23, 2020
With the unprecedented COVID-19 outbreak, it’s no surprise that workers are feeling stressed. Uncertainty about their health, finances and the future may be overwhelming. During a crisis like we’re facing, there are things employers can do to help employees cope both personally and professionally.
- Communicate: While a constant stream of news about the outbreak can add to tension, make sure you share with employees decisions that affect the company and its employees. Even if the impact of the pandemic on your business is not immediately clear, try to be as transparent and timely as you can with updates.
- Encourage Self-Care: Recommend that employees – no matter where they’re working – take time to unwind. Activities they enjoy, exercise and meditation are good ways to lower stress levels. If you have access, consider sponsoring well-being programs on site. Or take advantage of Headspace’s free collection of guided meditations and exercise for employers and employees.
- Give Employees Greater Control: In a period of high stress and high demands, try to give workers more autonomy and decisionmaking authority. It can motivate employees if you frame the current challenges as an opportunity for them to develop in their role.
- Stay Connected: Even in this time of social distancing, remember that it’s just physical separation that’s required. Be sure to remain available and present for employees, especially those who may be working remotely or in quarantine and feel isolated.
- Offer Support: It’s essential that employers not overlook mental health issues affecting workers right now. If you have an employee assistance program (EAP), share the information so employees understand how they can access resources to help them manage their anxiety.
Most importantly, no matter how you choose to support your team, remember to approach employees with understanding and compassion.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTRob Calise is the Managing Director, Employee Benefits of The Hilb Group of New England, where he helps clients control the costs of employee benefits by focusing on consumer-driven strategies and on how to best utilize the tax savings tools the government provides. Rob serves as Chairman of the Board of United Benefit Advisors, and is a board member of the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of RI Broker Advisory Board, United HealthCare of New England Broker Advisory Board and Rhode Island Business Healthcare Advisors Council. He is also a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU), American Health Insurance Association (AHIA) and the Employers Council on Flexible Compensation (ECFC), as well as various human resource associations. Rob is a graduate of Bryant University with a BS in Finance
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