COVID-19 Update: Pandemic Puts Focus on Mental Health

Employers can support mentally fatigued workers

As dealing with coronavirus prevention—either as a frontline worker or a remote worker practicing social distancing—dominates employees’ lives, at least half of Americans report their mental health has suffered due to the pandemic, The Washington Post reports.

As some workers struggle to stay healthy while cleaning public spaces that could be contaminated with the coronavirus, others attempt to run business operations from home, often while supervising children’s remote schooling or caring for aging relatives. Employers can help their frontline and remote workers move past survival mode by prioritizing mental health, Fast Company reports.

Some employers are equipping their workers with webinars or online Q & A sessions focused on mental health strategies, such as effective communication methods and tactics on coping with stress and anxiety. Companies are also successfully using technology to foster a sense of togetherness, with managers communicating via video instead of phone for a more human, personal connection. Others are providing virtual yoga and meditation classes.

Mental health experts advise that employers consider revisiting sick leave and paid time off policies, as well as their protocols around performance reviews and bonuses. Changes to these policies can give workers the time and space to take care of themselves and their families.

Even small perks, such as discounts on takeout food delivery and gift certificates for home-delivered snacks, can mean the difference between employees feeling overwhelmed or being able to manage stress effectively. Gestures like these can help employees feel cared about and connected even during social isolation.

Doctors set up financial perk for hospital custodians

Hospital staff everywhere are appreciative of the environmental services (EVS) staff who clean and disinfect health care facilities. A group of physicians at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, in Nashville, Tennessee, are talking their appreciation to the next level by raising funds to purchase gift cards for EVS staff, FOX-TV reports.

The doctors set up a GoFundMe account to collect money for gift cards to Walmart, Publix, and other stores. Their goal was to purchase a US$30 card for each of the 68 custodians working at the hospitals.

The fund has surpassed its goal, raising more than $7,000. The physicians also received donations from Crocs and Starbucks.

In addition to the donations, doctors have written letters to custodial staff thanking them for their continued diligence amid the pandemic.