Managing Employee Mental Health During the Coronavirus

COVID-19 has presented us all with new and unique challenges over the last few weeks. In an effort to “flatten the curve” during the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing is more important than ever. As we continue to navigate through uncharted territory we have been forced to adapt and find new ways to work and interact with one another— including techniques to manage mental health among employees.

Members of the workforce who are still working have shifted to remote work, many for the first time, where they are isolated from co-workers, family, and friends. As social creatures by nature, being confined within the parameters of our home and away from the people we see regularly can begin to take a toll on our mental health and overall well being. 

As employers, employees are looking to us to help them navigate through this unpredictable time. Here are some ideas for you and your workforce to navigate through this challenging time while still prioritizing their mental health.   

Establish a Routine 

Routines are important in feeling a sense of stability, security, and structure. Many of us have shifted to remote work over the last few weeks so this one should be fairly simple to follow. Encourage your employees to try and stick to the schedule they would have normally had outside of the stay-at-home orders. Waking up at the same time, working the same hours, and exercising at the same time can make a world of difference in maintaining positive mental health. 

Connect Regularly 

Social distancing does not mean complete social isolation. During work hours make sure to stay connected with coworkers. We recommend using tools like Slack for constant communication between team members and Zoom for scheduled meetings and webinars. 

Keep the mood up and add a little fun here and there. Things like Trivia via chats and Team Happy Hours via video conferencing can really help lift employee spirits and add a sense of connectivity during a time of isolation. 

As our Payroll Link team has shifted to a remote work environment, one little thing that’s made a big difference for us is having the whole team share a daily “good morning” and “good night” check in via Slack. It’s helpful for accountability, but moreso, helps remind us that we’re all in this together. 

Get Fresh Air and Stay Active 

Encourage everyone to step away for some fresh air and physical activity. Stepping outside and doing some sort of physical activity is not only good for your physical health but also your mental health. Walking around the neighborhood, stretching, planks, jumping jacks, or really whatever works best for you can help reduce stress and increase endorphins (and as we all know, endorphins make you happy...).

Even when our favorite gyms and fitness centers are closed during this time, many are offering free live streams or app-based workouts for members and the general public. 

Here are few we found: 

• Blink Fitness is hosting Facebook Live sessions weekdays at 5 a.m. PST
• Orangetheory is sharing new 30-minute workout videos on YouTube each day
• Gold's Gym is offering a ton of digital workouts at no cost through the end of May 

And when all else fails, a dance party in your living room is a fun way to boost those endorphins and shake out some stress! 

Know When to Put Technology Away 

Despite what a confusing time this is for everyone, one thing that has been positive and inspiring to see is the amount of quality time everyone is able to spend with their families. As job functions are completed, shut off all technology and enjoy quality time together. 

Even though everyone is itching to get back to our normal lives, one major positive of this time is the opportunity for quality time together. It’s so special to see families and loved ones going on walks, riding bikes, building puzzles, playing games, and just generally making use of this time together that they wouldn’t have otherwise gotten. 

As an employer, you can support your team by creating healthy work-life balance boundaries. Set clear expectations during working hours, but do your best to let your team have nights and weekends for recharging, as they normally would. 

What are some of the other ways you are taking care of your mental health & wellness during these unprecedented times? Let us know in the comments below!