Promote good mental health article

How To Promote Good Mental Health Practices Within Your Company During This Time

The coronavirus pandemic has turned all of our lives upside down and it is taking a toll on more than just physical health. According to The Washington Post, nearly half of the people in the United States feel the coronavirus is harming their mental health. A study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, found that 45 percent of adults say the pandemic has affected their mental health, while 19 percent say it has had a “major impact” on their mental health.  

Washington Post KFF chart

Image obtained by the Washington Post

So, with evidence showing that so many people are struggling through this time, should employees be expected to perform at the same level that they were pre-pandemic? The simple answer is no. While getting work done during this time is still important, improving mental health is too. In order to promote good mental health practices to your employees and sales team during this time, consider the following tips:   

Create a culture where communication of all kinds is welcomed and valued  

Just because your team is no longer working in the office, does not mean that regular communication should stop. Schedule weekly team meetings on Zoom, or another communication platform, to establish a bit of normalcy and togetherness during this time. In fact, according to the CDC, taking time to connect with others is an effective way to cope with stress associated with this pandemic. Encourage employees to talk about both work-related issues and life-related issues – doing so will show other employees that they are not alone if they too are struggling right now. It is also important to remember that everyone handles stress differently.  

In our everyday lives, we tend to think of work and life as two separate entities, but with work seeping into our home lives, it has become increasingly important to acknowledge its effects on mental health. By creating a culture of open communication in your workplace, your employees will likely feel more comfortable sharing their struggles, which will be beneficial even when this pandemic is a thing of the past.  

Encourage employees to take a break from work if they need to 

According to the CDC, taking time to unwind and do things you enjoy is a good way to cope with stress. If your employees express concerns about being unable to finish work, be understanding. Let your employees know that it is okay to take breaks because, ultimately, this will likely lead to better productivity. Outside of work, encourage your employees to participate in activities they enjoy. Maybe you can even coordinate ways for your employees to enjoy their favorite activities together. For example, if a few of your employees like to exercise, consider starting an “exercise club” where employees can share workouts and compare their progress. During everyday life, there are rarely opportunities for you and your employees to take time for yourselves, so, during this highly stressful time, understand that it is okay to take a break.  

Refer your employees to resources offered by the government 

Right now, the government has a lot on their plate, but that does not mean mental health is being pushed to the bottom of the list. While the government is primarily focused on making sure people are physically recovering from COVID-19, making sure people mentally recover from this pandemic is also important. The government communicates most of its mental health initiatives through the CDC’s website, which is regularly updated. People who are feeling overwhelmed are encouraged to use hotlines provided by the government.  

Individual states are also developing policies and initiatives to fight mental health right now. For example, New Jersey recently shared a policy regarding telehealth services, which would replace in-person structured day programs intended to promote socialization. The New Jersey government also has a webpage dedicated to dealing with mental health during public health emergencies. Additionally, according to Time, New York is providing free online mental health services, with the help of at least 6,175 volunteers, to those who need it during this outbreak. Since each state is handling this crisis differently, make sure to check your state’s website to see any mental health policies and initiatives that are currently, or soon will be, in place. 

Stress is expected during this time and your employees likely have a range of concerns that have nothing to do with work. One thing is for sure – eventually things will go back to normal and your employees will, once again, be ready to give you their undivided attention. But, right now, try to be understanding. Create a culture where employees feel comfortable coming to you with concerns and encourage them to step away from work for a while if that’s what they need to do. In the event that your employees need help that you can’t provide, refer them to government resources, like hotlines and free online mental health services. Months from now, when this pandemic is over, your employees will be grateful for your support and your company will be stronger because of it. 

The CDC‘s website says:
Need help? Know someone who does?
If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others
  
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