The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a lot of people having to take their work online. A recent survey by Mental Health America says that 42% of those employed say their current stress levels are either high or very high. When managers ask their employees questions about their mental health aside from “How are you doing,” they are making a difference in their work performance and their outlook on life.
How Are Your Family and Household Members Doing?
The people we live with make a difference in our mental health. Since we cannot leave our homes to go to work, we are surrounded by family and household members now more than ever. Managers should acknowledge that there are other factors outside of work affecting attitude and productivity. Asking how life is going with family and household members at home shows them that you care about your employees. This is also an opportunity for you to learn about your employees’ support systems and how they are managing the transition into remote work.
Do You Have Everything You Need For Your Remote Work Environment?
While this pandemic was initially thought to be temporary, it has gone on for longer than anyone expected. Consequently, employees must have everything they need to work from home successfully. See if your employee has made their surroundings comfortable and functional for working, with minimal distractions. Encourage your employees to take the time to create an office space, to reorganize, to clean their work environment, and to add whatever touches help make the space feel cozy and comfortable. The space in which your employees and coworkers work can have significant effects on their mood. Staying in a cluttered area has a way of cluttering the mind too.
When Was the Last Time You Had the Day Off?
Vacations and traveling have been significantly reduced as a result of the pandemic. This leads to PTO hours being unused. People may feel discouraged or guilty to use their PTO if they are not physically going anywhere. Managers should encourage their coworkers to take time off to recharge. Giving yourself a break from work is essential for mental health and should be supported, not looked down upon. The mental health of your coworkers is important during these difficult times, not only to ensure they can work efficiently but also to ensure they are stable emotionally. By asking the right questions to your coworkers, you are leading by example to promote mental health in the workplace.
Mental health is vital in the workplace. It is important to know that just because you are not in the office anymore does not mean that what is going on with you mentally is no longer significant. As a manager, you are supposed to make sure that, not only are your coworkers doing their jobs but that they are in the right mind frames to do them. Asking the right questions and showing your concern can make a world of difference. Here at Alta Loma, we understand how tough it is to tackle your career and your mental health all at once. At our transformative treatment centers, we have all the tools you need to achieve a healthier mindset and get you on the road to the life that you deserve. From individualized therapy, recreational therapeutic techniques, coping skills education, medication management, and more, we have got you covered. Please call (866) 457-3843 for more information.
