The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on employees’ mental health as many people feel trapped in their homes, and others cannot see their family and friends. So how can employees improve their mental health and wellbeing?
According to Gallagher Bassett, staying connected, adhering to a schedule, and maintaining proper sleep habits are some of the ways people can take care of their mental health and wellbeing amid the pandemic.
“There are many things beyond our control right now, which may leave us feeling anxious. Despite this, there are still things within our control that can help us maintain a sense of purpose and wellbeing,” said Chelsea Konyk, a registered nurse and mental health consultant at Gallagher Bassett.
“We can do this by staying connected with one another, maintaining a routine whenever possible, looking after our physical and mental health, and seeking professional support when we need it.”
Konyk advises people to stay connected with their colleagues, whether they’re back in the office or still working from home. They could plan regular catch-ups, using video chat if possible, and can talk about non-work-related topics. Employers also play a unique role in supporting their people during this uncertain environment.
“Staying connected reminds employees that they are cared about, even if it’s just a quick check-in to see how someone is doing. It promotes a safe space to express concerns or reach out for help and enables supportive relationships within the workspace,” she continued.
“In this ‘new normal’, there are many things we can do to strengthen our overall wellbeing. We can train our minds, just as much as we can train our bodies, to be more resilient to stress, develop better coping techniques, and to improve how we respond to challenging situations.”
