Fostering A Mentally Healthy Workplace During Coronavirus
While the medical, scientific, and public health experts work around the clock to contain the coronavirus (COVID-19), my number one priority as CEO of the Arriba Group is to support the mental and psycho-social well-being of every one of my team members. For many, current circumstances will trigger an increase in fear, anxiety and has the potential to overwhelm, which is why prioritising the mental health of my team is critical.
I am making sure we conduct regular staff check-ins to measure workforce wellbeing, with the aim of identifying and preventing mental health challenges, as well as communicating messages that promote self-care and support connection. Here are some themes I encourage our teams to promote in their everyday work life:
· Prioritising self-care – looking after ourselves is vital because we do not have a business without motivated and healthy people
· Staying connected – check in with your team at least once a day and make use of videoconferencing for meetings when you can
· Taking regular breaks – get outside if and when you can
· Keeping your body moving – avoid physical deconditioning from long periods spent sitting in one position
· Have fun – make a point of finding the light moments
· Keeping up a routine – get dressed, eat breakfast like you always did
· Relax – enjoy time with the family, pick up a new hobby
· Be hopeful – we can get through this together and cross the bridge to the other side
This is a stressful time for all Australians, and leaders must do what they can to reduce the psychological risks to team members. For more information and further reading, here are some useful resources and strategies I have personally found helpful in understanding and supporting these obligations:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/covid-19-information-workplaces/mental-health-and-covid-19
What are some of the ways that you have made your work more people focused in current times? Leave a comment and your thoughts below. We are all in this together and remember, #togetherwecan.
Marcella.
Mental Fitness & Peak Performance Mindfulness Expert, Speaker & CEO at the Good Place.
4 年Practicing mindfulness and living more in the present moment is key :)
Head of People and Culture
4 年Could not agree more Marcella Romero