You’ve heard a lot about mental health during the pandemic, but are you doing everything you can to help your staff and yourself stay healthy, productive, and engaged? Here is a helpful checklist:
- Address the impact of isolation. Talk to employees and find out how you can help them connect more and better with colleagues, supervisors, clients, vendors, and others. Find out if the technology they have is adequate and what innovations would be most useful. Encourage them to connect with family members in a safe way as well and to seek out friends.
- Encourage work-life balance. Especially for those who are new to remote work or those who are worried about job security post-pandemic, the temptation to check emails, work on projects, and take phone calls at all hours can be tempting. Set clear and realistic expectations for workers, and encourage them to take time off, turn off their devices, and recharge daily.
- Be transparent with information. Anxiety arises when people are unsure, confused, and out of the loop. Reassure staff (as much as possible) with facts, expectations, and strategic predictions for the organization.
- Develop and maintain routines. This not only helps people maintain a sense of normalcy; it also helps with productivity and can reduce feelings of anxiety and fatigue.
