During the current coronavirus pandemic, there’s one thing we know for sure: No one has any previous experience of this situation so we’re all just getting through it as best we can. Mental health issues such as stress and anxiety are at unusually high levels and, as the restrictions imposed on the UK continue for the foreseeable future, it’s important to manage our mental wellbeing.
If you’re responsible for a team of employees, whether you’re a HR manager, business owner or team leader, there’s no doubt that looking out for your staff will be one of your top concerns.
Here are some simple steps you can take to make sure you’re looking after the mental health of your employees.
Approach mental health head on
Despite mental health being a hot topic over recent years, many people still feel uncomfortable talking about it, particularly in a work environment.
“According to the Mental Health Foundation, 45 per cent of employees who have been diagnosed with a mental health problem, and taken time off work as a result, gave another reason for doing so... Clearly, there is some way to go before employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health, and employers feel well equipped to support them.”
As an employer, it’s your responsibility to create a safe space for staff to discuss their feelings and any struggles they might be facing. Make it clear you are willing and able to help them (however you can) and their admissions won’t have any negative impacts on their role.
Clear and open communication
We know we’re starting to sound like a broken record but we can’t emphasise enough that clear communication is essential. Not only does staying in frequent contact with your staff help to combat loneliness, it also increases employee engagement levels, brings the team together and improves overall morale.
Encourage questions as much as possible and do your best to answer them in an honest and constructive way.
“Leaders have an essential role in ensuring communications are concise, unambiguous and timely to answer these questions for different stakeholder groups: What’s changing? Why? What does it mean for me?”
Adapt your management style
Hopefully, you always adopt empathy and understanding into your management style, but it's called for even more than usual at the moment. The outbreak of coronavirus has had huge impacts across the globe– physically, financially and, as a result, mentally.
While working from home, your employees are dealing with unprecedented challenges during their working day. From pets to kids to limited working space, getting the job done is no longer as simple.
You may need to cut your employees some slack in ways you wouldn’t usually need to. Let them know that expectations have changed, and the pressure is off.
Remember, while we’re all in this together, everyone’s experiences are different so there’s no room for a one-size-fits-all approach.
Look after yourself
One key factor when looking after the mental health of your staff is taking steps to care for your own mental wellbeing. Your team will model their behaviour on your own, so incorporating positive habits and routines into your own life will encourage your employees to do the same. Whether that’s talking about your own struggles or taking time out for yourself, your actions will impact the team as a whole.
“Role modelling healthy behaviours, having a positive outlook, and sharing how you are feeling can all help. Business leaders must be open to being vulnerable.”
For more tips on how to look after your wellbeing while working from home, see our blog.
Share resources and outside learning
No one expects you to be the fountain of all knowledge, and you shouldn’t try to be. But it’s a great idea to guide employees to areas where they can find information from experts if they feel they need to.
Mental Health at Work, part of the charity Mind, have more than 300 resources aimed at both employees and employers.
One great thing about sharing resources is that team members who don’t yet feel able to discuss their issues with you, will still have access to help.
There are many different aspects of mental health and many ways to address it as an employer. Here are some really useful places you can find help and advice: