Supporting Your Team’s Mental Health, Remotely
In the current COVID-19 crisis, it’s more important than ever for employers to be conscious of and support their employees mental health. Mental health should always be at the forefront of our minds, but in the current climate anxieties are heightened and daily life has become increasingly challenging. With this in mind employees may need a little extra support to help them cope and adjust to the new work / life balance.
If, like us, you have moved to remote working full time, it can have a big impact on the way you are able to support your employees. In many ways it is more difficult as physical distance presents challenges in connecting with each other. That being said, here are some of the things we can do to support our employees and promote a positive mental health culture, from home.
Regular Check-ins
When your only communication with your team is via Slack, email or video call, it’s difficult to know how someone is truly feeling. People are very different and although some are forthcoming and honest about their struggles, other people are not used to opening up. Without visual cues such as body language and tone of voice, it’s not always possible to tell when someone is feeling low.
Regular check ins with your team specifically asking them how they are feeling / coping gives them the opportunity to share. Whether this is done via text or over video call would depend on the individual, consider how this person may be more comfortable communicating. Sometimes just being asked if you are ok is enough to make someone feel supported and cared for and can make all the difference.
Opportunity to socialise
One thing even the most introverted of us is missing out on during the current crisis, is socialising. This is especially noticeable in a working environment as we aren’t able to engage in the informal chats we usually would over our desks or when making a drink in the kitchen.
Setting aside some time each day for an informal chat with your team allows you to maintain a level of connection outside of normal work conversations. It’s also good to break up the working day as a full day sat alone at your desk can become dull and monotonous. For an extra bit of fun try games such as pictionary, bingo or everyone’s favourite; the pub quiz.
Banish ‘the C word’
Although most of us enjoy keeping abreast of the latest updates on COVID-19, for those who suffer with anxiety it can become overwhelming. It’s recommended that those people reduce their consumption of virus related content to avoid the heightened stress it can cause. Create a specific place where Coronavirus chat is allowed, such as a dedicated Slack channel. That way everyone is free to discuss any news but those who wish to, can avoid it.
Maintain normality
Normal is a word most of us probably haven’t used for a long time. We have all in some way been affected by the virus and seen our daily lives change as the severity of the situation has grown. Normal is a concept I imagine we are all aspiring to.
Understandably it would be impossible to bring complete normality back, but wherever possible try to keep things the same as they were before Lockdown began. Continue to have your regular meetings, events and socials etc. even if that means hosting them remotely over a video call. Having a routine that is planned and predictable can be a source of comfort in these unpredictable times.
Supporting anyone with their mental health at anytime can be challenging so below I have included some links to useful resources for employers. Don’t forget, there are training courses available for Mental Health First Aiders, which can be an invaluable resource for any business.
