FM Clinic: Supporting worker’s mental health in the face of continued uncertainty

THE FM PROVIDER’S VIEW
ALISTAIR CRAIG,
MANAGING DIRECTOR, ANABAS

With fewer than 50 per cent of firms proactively supporting the mental health of their employees and many unsure of where to turn for advice on how to do so, the country is seeing a huge hit to productivity at the cost of the mental health of its workers.

In the current climate of challenges and uncertainty, employees could benefit more than ever from support. Mental health is quickly becoming a number one priority, but this will yield no real benefits if companies don’t know how to implement successful policies. The scale of the global pandemic has made many re-evaluate their priorities. Those with underlying health conditions have become hyper-aware of their vulnerability and will prioritise their health more than ever. The mass migration to remote working suddenly means the informal chats and something as simple as noticing a colleague seems down have been lost. Companies need to proactively manage this by ensuring there is enough opportunity for social activity, even if it is virtual. Companies can be quite creative with this. Anabas has been keeping mentally fit and healthy throughout the pandemic by taking part in exercise challenges. Launched through the social fitness network, Endomondo, this has supported physical and mental health, as well as allowing our colleagues to collaborate at either end of the country – people that wouldn’t ordinarily communicate with each other.

Equipping employees with the tools they need to care for their health and wellbeing, both mentally and physically, can be transformative. Indeed, these tools may quickly become an essential part of the post-COVID workplace.

Anabas has made wellbeing a priority. We have recently partnered with The Art of Brilliance, a not-for-profit training organisation specialising in positive psychology and resilience training which has been designed to support our employees through the difficulties of a global pandemic. Over the coming 18 months, this training will equip all employees – regardless of role or contracted hours – with the skills to make the most of their strengths and to approach each day with positivity and enthusiasm in a world fraught with disruptions and uncertainty.

The pandemic has truly been a tragedy but that means it is all the more important that the ‘new normal’ is a better one than before. Companies are forced to make physical health a priority, providing hand sanitiser and allowing for social distancing, but mental health should be as much a part of this development as physical. For many years, the importance of company culture and corporate social responsibility has been under scrutiny by Millennials and Gen Z in a way they have not been by other generations. Now, supporting mental health and the capacity of companies to manage unforeseen challenges will take the fore. This can only be good news for companies as many have been suffering from their own failure to respond to the needs of their employees. The coming months – and indeed years – will show which companies can adapt to today’s unpredictability and support and develop their employees to their full potential.

THE COACHING AND TRAINING PROVIDER’S VIEW
KEVIN MCALPIN,
MANAGING DIRECTOR, PERFORMANCE INTERNATIONAL

The risk that the pandemic poses to individuals is a tendency to feel victimised and form a negative mindset that may be difficult to calm. The information overload caused by the constant monitoring of the virus’ spread and fatalities can also lead to individuals becoming overwhelmed, affecting their ability to find clarity. Managers and leaders can support the wellbeing, resilience, happiness and productivity of their teams by supporting them in successfully navigating this uncertainty.

This means taking ownership of the situation they have been placed in, and by helping them focus on what they can do personally, as well as how they can work with others to harness the power of collective effort, they can find a sense of belonging within the isolation of lockdown.

Finding the right balance is also crucial. Managers may seek to micro-manage their teams to feel in control of their work, something which intensifies stress. This is why it is important to strike the right balance between working as much as normal while appreciating it is in unprecedented circumstances.

Those who have thrived in lockdown are those who have established clear routines. By being more conscious of how they are spending their time, workers can prioritise tasks and plan their days to prevent boredom or procrastination. Isolation has increased the longing for human connection and relationships, so encouraging staff to place community at the core of their actions may help them feel more connected. In this way they will feel more trusting of those around them and feel empowered by sharing knowledge and necessities.

An ineffective way to respond to the pandemic is to wait for life to revert back to normal. It’s more productive to use this time spent alone to learn more about ourselves and what the future may hold rather than expecting a swift return to normality. Those who view uncertainty as a moment to innovate and make bold decisions will profit from their courage in the future. Overall, organisations and businesses that will survive the effects of the pandemic are those that will have found a balance between outlasting and recovering from it. By asking the right questions and helping staff adapting to new circumstances, employers can create a successful vision for the future.