The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of the workforce, leading to many new cases of anxiety and depression. Individuals who suffered from mental illness before the pandemic, even if it was in good control, have seen their symptoms worsen. Anxiety about catching the virus is rampant.

 

Coming back to work could cause a mixture of relief and dread in your employees. While they may be happy to be out of the house, they could also be extremely anxious about safety precautions. 

 

The best way to support your employees is to reassure them that you understand their concerns and are taking precautions to ensure safety. The tools available through Safeter can help mitigate potential employee mental health issues as they transition back into office life. These include the following: 

 

• Online health checks. This online tool allows employees who are feeling ill to check their symptoms and determine if they should come to work.
   

• Workforce scheduling. This allows staggered use of the office for work, ensuring that fewer people will be in the building at a time, allowing for more room and less exposure during work hours.
   

• Testing. Safeter’s now provides testing kits for use at the office. Management can utilize these for random checks and for employees who are experiencing symptoms. The results comply with all privacy guidelines.
   

• Resource library. Employees will have access to a resource library developed by medical professionals in order to answer their questions about the disease and its spread. 

 

In addition to using Safeter’s tools to help your employees, you can also help by doing the following:

 

• Require masks at all times. The CDC has announced that masks should be worn indoors at all times to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Follow these guidelines in your workplace.
   

• Have proper ventilation. Make sure your office building’s HVAC system is up to date.
   

• Provide hand sanitizer. Have hand sanitizer available in as many places as possible.
   

• Allow more breaks. Attention spans have decreased and the sense of being overwhelmed has skyrocketed for many people. Within reason, allow employees more opportunities to take breaks for water, step outside, stretch, or sit down.
   

• Provide resources for mental health support in your area. Have a list of options available for employees who are experiencing mental health issues and need assistance. Make sure the information is shared with everyone electronically so that no one will feel the need to single themselves out by asking for it.
   

• Be understanding. Employees may have had COVID-19 or lost a loved one to it. They may have experienced economic hardship. At the very least, the virus has upended their lives significantly. Set realistic and attainable goals once you are back at work so that each person can readjust.

 

Coming back to work safely is about more than preventing the spreading of the virus. Your employees’ mental health will dictate how well they can do their job. The best way to make them feel supported in their transition back to the office is to let them know you have taken comprehensive steps to safety using Safeter products, and that you are thinking of their needs.  Knowing this, and knowing they have the freedom to manage their mental health, will help your employees and business thrive as you reopen.