Social health, which refers to the kinds of interactions people need to function and thrive, is more important than ever in the world of social distancing and remote work. You can have a powerful impact on employee social health and promote good mental/emotional health. Here are few key steps:
- Clearly define employee roles and responsibilities in an effort to minimize conflict and disputes and promote teamwork.
- Provide the tools employees need to communicate, whether that means laptops, smartphones, or access to 5G wi-fi.
- Encourage social interactions away from work. Right now, that might just mean video chats with family members, virtual happy hours with friends, and streaming concerts and other live performances.
- Avoid implementing workplace policies that pit employees as competitors.
- Encourage work/life balance. Consider offering gift cards for food delivery, days off, and other amenities that let workers spend time enjoying family and friends.
- Promote physical health and wellbeing. Offer virtual exercise or yoga classes. Make sure staff know about mental health and telemedicine benefits.
- Take actions to celebrate employee milestones such as work anniversaries or birthdays. Recognize workers for good ideas or their efforts to help others during the pandemic.
