How to support employees’ mental health amid COVID-19
An in-depth review of practices, policies and programs employers should consider to bolster workers’ mental well-being.
We are witnessing, in real time, a profound transformation of the way we work.
Not all of it’s bad. Increased flexibility and corporate empathy, for instance, are good things. Unfortunately, the continued chaos of COVID-19 is also placing an unbelievable strain on workers’ mental health.
“We’re seeing so many headlines about the risk of a mental health crisis as a result of COVID-19, and employers are wondering what, if anything, they can do,” says workplace mental health expert Brandy Payne.
The short answer is “yes.” However, meaningful mental health support for employees requires a serious commitment—as well as a multi-faceted, long-term strategy—but small steps are a savvy start. Payne notes that mindful tweaks to scheduling, workflows and relationships can make a huge impact. She points to the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s “13 Factors that Impact Mental Health at Work” as a guiding framework for all employers, which include:
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