Managing Workplace Stress During COVID-19
As the workforce responds to the growing coronavirus pandemic, it is imperative that organizations prepare for the impact by adopting policies and procedures that will help to mitigate the effects to the business while also proactively implementing measures that ensure the effective management of their workforce and safety and care of employees.
Especially in times like these, it is important that the focus of organizations be to act quickly, thoughtfully, and remain flexible to the needs of their people. Whether your business has experienced a minor reduction in staff or you’ve been able to retain your full workforce and allow employees to work remotely; undoubtedly, your workplace environment has experienced a shift and has been impacted in some way.
The ambiguity around the current situation creates angst and insecurity that has many people scared and panicked for information and resolution. Even for those fortunate enough to maintain their employment; with stay in place orders/restrictions, feeling socially isolated, limited activities, and for many now homeschooling their children; maintaining work production and the goal of achieving a sense of work-life balance seems even more of a distant reality. They may also have added financial stress if they fear possible loss of work or their spouse or partner has been laid off or furloughed which in-turn impacts their level of work productivity. Identifying ways to mitigate stress amongst your workforce especially if your company is experiencing financial strain or loss of business, can prove to be quite challenging, but it is essential to the success of your business and the wellness of your employees.
Find ways to provide extra support to employees during the current pandemic.
One way to achieve this is to encourage resources and ideas that will promote greater health and wellness balance. If you offer healthcare benefits to your employees, send reminders to them to take advantage of their benefits. Receiving care whether it be for COVID-19 symptoms or just maintaining regular checkups, it is important to take care of one’s physical health. Many health care plans offer Virtual Care and Telemedicine, so employees do not have to fear going to the doctor’s office or hospital and possibly contracting the virus. Also, during this time, many plans are waiving co-pays, deductibles, or coinsurance for testing to diagnose COVID-19 and related visits. Mental health is equally as important. Encourage your employees to use resources like tele-counseling and employee assistant programs (EAP) that can help to alleviate stress and improve their mental health and overall well-being.
Share information and resources such as those listed here to help keep your employees and their families safe.
COVID-19 Safety
· Household Checklist for Keeping Your Family Safe
· CDC Steps to Prevent Illness
Physical Wellbeing
· 5 Stretches You Can Do at Your Desk
Financial Wellbeing
· Coronavirus Stimulus Direct Payments FAQ
· Inexpensive Ways to Get and Stay Healthy
Emotional / Social Wellbeing
· Maintaining Mental Wellbeing During a Quarantine
· Working from Home During a Coronavirus Outbreak
Be more flexible and expect less from your workforce.
So much more is being required of our employees at this time. For many, they have had their lives turned upside down and are overwhelmed. As many experience extenuating circumstances that impact their families, they may require more time away from work. It is important as the employer to be understanding if they need more flexibility in their work schedules or require time off to manager their home lives.
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides temporary paid sick leave provisions and an emergency leave for businesses with fewer than 500 employees. Under this mandate, employees that work for companies meeting that criteria are eligible to use this emergency leave as long as they meet the qualifying conditions outlined in the COVID-19 notice to employees poster and fact sheet .
The reality is that many employees are afraid to request leave as they may have already exhausted their PTO balance and are not familiar with how to go about requesting this type of leave. Being proactive in informing your workforce of these temporary leave options can help to drastically reduce angst around job security and improve emotional stress in the workplace.
Finally, be transparent.
Transparency and engagement from Leadership is invaluable to employees as it gives them a sense of value, security, and investment in the company. To foster this engagement, be sure to provide regular updates on the state of the company and express communicate positive sentiments.
We know that it can be difficult to quantify or capture the needs of every employee but by taking these important steps, you are providing the support necessary to ensure that they come out of this a stronger, healthier, and more productive workforce.
For more helpful tips on workforce management, HR services, and accounting for your Small Business check out the Bottom Line Strategies LLC Blog.
Require professional services for your small business, Bottom Line Strategies provides HR & accounting services as well as financial consulting to help you grow your business.
Sources:
https://www.zenefits.com/workest/coronavirus/
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html