Employers & employees go under tremendous changes during a pandemic. For example, shifting from an office setting to working from home, and after the pandemic passes, going back to office. During this kind of major shift, managing mental health in the workplace is especially crucial. But the question is: how do you manage mental health in the workplace during a pandemic?
Managing Mental Health in the Workplace During a Pandemic
Even on an airline, it is recommended to put on our own oxygen masks before helping others, in case of an emergency. Addressing your mental health during a pandemic is similarly crucial & recommended.
Let’s look at some ways you can manage your mental health in the workplace:
1. Buddy Program With Your Colleagues
You’re not alone in the pandemic, your colleagues are also going through the same thing. Pandemic brings immense pressure, risk of infection, and stress, making it seem impossible to get through your work. Feeling this way is normal and you should not see it as a sign of weakness.
Instead, use a buddy program to share your feelings with colleagues, who want to reciprocate. This may create a sense of calm & belonging, helping to enhance mental health in your workplace.
2. Take Small Breaks
Taking small breaks, especially if you are working from home. Because, when you work from home, chances of sitting almost all day increases greatly. This can harshly decrease your mood and increase stress level.
But when you take small breaks for coffee, or just to stroll around, or to take power naps, your stress levels drop and your mood improves. This is also true when you start working from the office during a pandemic.
Also read: How To Stay Focused Working From Home?
3. Employee Assistance Program
Employees undergo a lot of stress during a pandemic because of the responsibilities ranging from office to home to maintaining cordial relations. If you are feeling tired all the time or put in a lot of effort just to begin working, you may be feeling burnout.
This is when you will find the Employee Assistance Program beneficial for your mental peace.
4. Integrate Simple Exercises In Your Schedule
Physical health and mental health have a strong connection. When you keep your body healthy, you will observe attaining better mental health.
But with the busy schedule of work and a pandemic how can you keep yourself healthy? Simple, if you’re not able to find time, make time for exercise.
Take small breaks from work and do 10 sit ups then resume working, take another 10 minutes break, 2 hours later, for a little skipping session.
Conclusion
Managing mental health during a pandemic has many mental health care benefits. If you are an employer then you may consider getting group benefits in your business during a pandemic. Because employees are the real assets of any business and keeping their mental health in check can help grow your business.
Also read: Telehealth