These are difficult times for all but what if staff are furloughed?

I wouldn’t mind betting that a couple of months ago, most of us had never heard of the term ‘furloughed’. Now it’s on everyone’s radar. Most of us know someone who is unable to work because of the current COVID-19 outbreak and has been put on ‘furlough’ by their employer. This eases the finances of the employing organisation as the employee will receive 80% of their usual salary whilst they are unable to work, and the employer can opt to top up the balance by paying the remaining 20% should they feel able and see fit to do so. For many organisations whose income has disappeared, this seems like the only viable option to keep the organisation afloat.

An enviable position?

Perhaps some who are still working see this as an enviable position to be in, but many who are furloughed are now struggling with their new situation as anxieties include:

·        What will be going on in my absence?

·        Will I come back to a huge backlog of work that has been piling up whilst I’ve been away?

·        Why me and not others? Are people seeing me negatively?

·        Does this mean that they can manage without me? 

·        Will there be a job for me to return to?

·        How will I fill my time when isolating at home and how will I manage without interaction with my colleagues?

·        I already struggle with my mental health – will this make things worse?

If you have furloughed staff, check in with them regularly. Check that their situation is not adversely affecting their mental health and try to reassure them as far as possible that their situation temporary and they will be back in the workplace when possible. If someone already struggles with their mental health, check on them more regularly and take action sooner rather than later if they start to show signs of anxiety or depression. Such problems are easier to manage if caught early and if they are furloughed they now have the time to access professional help without taking additional time away from work.

I'm furloughed. What can I do?

·        You can use email and video conferencing technology to stay in touch with your colleagues

• You can attend our social meetings and online events including activities like quizzes and online concerts with your colleagues
• You can check the intranet to see what's happening in the business
• You can keep receiving newsletters and updates
• You can attend online training events and Webinars to update your skills or expand your knowledge
• You liaise with your HR teams for support and to discuss your ongoing needs in terms of training or external services such as counselling

I'm furloughed. What can't I do?

• Whilst you are furloughed, you can't perform any work for your employer except for attending training
• If you wish to undertake any other paid work or volunteer for a charity during your furlough period, you need your employer’s permission in writing.

If you have furloughed staff, what a great opportunity to use this time to implement the training you’ve not had the time to schedule in before now. The added challenges of isolation and lockdown will emphasise any mental health issues, so now is a good time to train your staff and managers in how to manage their mental health and support their teams.  May will bring mental health awareness week, an initiative which many organisations use to highlight the benefits of addressing one’s own mental health. CCC offers a number of training options which we are looking to offer in a virtual setting. Please contact me ASAP if this is something you would like to explore.

Current options include:

Mental health awareness presentation for staff

Mental health awareness workshop for managers and team leaders

Stress management presentation for staff

Stress management workshop for managers and team leaders

Bereavement support for individuals and groups

Critical incident/trauma support for individuals and groups

Line manager reflective practice to help leaders deal with challenging individuals and situations

Support through change for individuals and groups

Peer support for mental health first aiders

To find out more, contact [email protected]

 If you are struggling with anxiety, this NHS audio guide could be very helpful –

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/moodzone-mental-wellbeing-audio-guides/

Stay safe and well and remember that CCC is here to support you.