Let's show empathy and regard for others

This Pandemic has been unprecedented in many ways. While it has brought with it a lot of challenges and pain for the world, it has also forced a change in behavior and habits. Like many others, I also carved out time for focusing on my personal well-being by doing some meditation, reading - more than I have previously read in my adult life, and spending some quality time with family. For me, this pandemic has been a blessing in disguise. I have been able to see my life through a different lens- work out and define my priorities, explore my life purpose, and put my efforts in the right direction-which feels right for me in the current circumstances. These same issues which I referred to above, might not necessarily feel relevant or useful to another individual, because of their personal and professional expectations and demands. Through my experience, I believe that- "Until you change your thinking, you will always recycle your experiences"- but I also acknowledge that one size does not fit all. Being into the HR domain, one is professionally bound to connect with people, understand them, guide them, help them, and support them in every possible way. When the pandemic started initially, people including me were excited to Work from home - no more commuting hours, no more missing your kid grow, no more work-life balance issue, and increased productivity. A win-win situation for both employee and employer. But just like a coin this situation also has another side which feels darker or might be darker than any one of us would have thought of. 

Embracing uncertainty is becoming difficult due to the difficulties to plan and feel in control, people are getting anxious and feeling overwhelmed. I have spoken to several people in the past 3 months who feel under tremendous stress; personal and professional, which is leaving an impact and disturbing an individual's well-being. Are we neglecting the severity of the crisis? Are we really extending the amount of empathy necessary for individuals, support which can help them sail through smoothly in the current situation?

An article by Timothy R. Clark made me realize the need to develop skills to improve your emotional intelligence to navigate through the uncertainty and potential loss that comes with the current situation.

It has not been easy for anyone-it has increased work stress, long work hours, lack of work-life balance, less sleep, one is on an air alert. We all have been trying to fit into our new normal or should I say 'different normal.' Many professionals are going through immense work pressure-physically, mentally, and emotionally.

An employee from a fin-tech startup stated, "I had never felt so helpless, demeaned, and one day I decided to quit. Quitting a job without another offer isn't a simple decision but one needs to be understood and respected -that too in the current situation. You are expected to have no personal life, your productivity is questioned every day. It's frustrating and sad".

Another article published in Economic Times mentioned how work from home is leading to employee burnout. Health experts are advising people to practice meditation and physical activities to de-stress, keeping your mind and body fit.

"I am single, so it was easy for me to resign but there are so many people out there who have to cope with unprofessional behavior and expected to work for 14-15 hours, over weekends, burn the midnight oil to prove your worth, otherwise you will be tagged as a non-performer and get removed from the system. You need mentors and leaders who push you to become better, not those who hurt your self-esteem. There is no point staying in a workplace that comprises of toxic people and deteriorate your mental health", says Bangalore-based IT consultant.

Back in 2019, a study from France had found that regularly working long days of ten hours or more increases our risk of having a stroke. Other research had found that employees who work long work hours are likely to have poorer mental health and lower-quality sleep.

Work from home has indeed changed working styles, however it's surprising that most of the IT professionals be it an MNC or a startup, across all levels are experiencing stretched work projects and work-life-health has actually gone for a toss!

One of my close friends, who works for an early-stage startup shared, "When work-from-home was announced I was so excited but with each passing day workload stress is taking a toll on my health. The toll of long working hours and blurring of boundaries between professional and personal lives has left me exhausted. With minimal work-from-home policies, few managers are taking advantage of and getting us to work endlessly. I literally have to drag myself to be online every day, one has to bear all this due to lack of job security. It's unbelievable but sharp at 9:00 AM during our team meeting our manager reminds us of 'being lucky to not have been fired or furloughed'. This is how demotivation and self-doubt creep in".

I am appalled at the attitude of organizational leaders who don't even feel the need to consider the mental and emotional well-being of their employees. Leaders have a responsibility and need to step up, and provide support and comfort to their workforce, be kind and compassionate. It is important for leaders to take this initiative responsibly and sensitively. They need to demonstrate responsibility and accountability. It is their duty to make their teams feel valued, cherished and adored.