A Pandemic Within a Pandemic: Stress in the Workplace

As the world suffers from the second wave of the pandemic, millions of people continue to face layoffs, furloughs, and ongoing uncertainty. That we cannot see the light at the end of this unstable, isolating, and fear filled tunnel gives special meaning to this year’s “International Day of People with Disabilities.” In these dire times, we are all subject to anxiety and stress, characteristics that lead to mental illness, an invisible disability that is often stigmatized and covered by those experiencing it.

 It is critical for employers to create environments where employees feel cared for and respected as they face ongoing tension and unceasing challenges. We simply must demonstrate respect, even in the midst of making tough decisions, given the gravity of the situation at hand. Not only is this the right thing to do, remembering to engage in good business and HR practices will result in continuing engagement and productivity in the short term, and healthcare cost containment in the long term.

 Beyond deploying Employee Assistance Programs, conscientious employers like Sodexo build in measures to provide strong feedback loops, offer proactive trainings, and implement awareness campaigns with pragmatic playbooks such as the World Health Organization’s stress guide.

The bottom line is that we need to ensure that employees feel supported so that, without shame and judgement, they can seek the support they need if they are struggling. Let us destigmatize mental illness as we seek to be inclusive and foster a culture of belonging in our respective organizations. While the duration of the pandemic cannot be controlled, what we can control is the investment we make in order to support our employees, including those with disabilities, both today and in the future.