Page 21 - BOSS Today Issue 50

DOWN TO BUSINESS BOSS Today #50

t is important to recognise the risks of wellbeing needs. Managers are equipped
Iloneliness and isolation for people in with the skills to spot signs of struggle in
physically distanced workplaces as well others and send them a message, starting
as for those still working from home. It with simply asking, “Are you okay?”
is claimed the psychological impact of Online mental health awareness
physical distancing is similar to the effects training lets employees work through
of large disasters on human beings, modules at their own pace and gives “The psychological
leading to depression, post-traumatic them the confidence to talk about mental impact of physical
stress disorder (PTSD), substance health and support others in need. This is distancing is similar to the
use disorder and other mental and particularly helpful while employees are
behavioural disorders. physically distanced, as some may be less effects of large disasters
Constant disruption – like one-way likely to speak openly about their feelings on human beings.”
traffic routes around the workplace, over the phone or online.
queueing for the toilet, cleaning BOSS’s Health and Safety Advisers
requirements and restrictions in can deliver a virtual seminar, providing
the kitchen – are stressful because actionable tips for those struggling with
individuals often rely on a familiar feelings of stress or isolation. This will
structure to regulate their emotional help to naturalise conversations around
wellbeing. emotional wellbeing in the workplace, and
One benefit of communal office space encourage employees to seek support. For
that needs to be considered is the spike in more information, contact Mandy Robson,
our mood we get from social interaction, Head of Health and Safety at
which makes us feel happy, improves mandy@bossfederation.co.uk who can
attention and motivation and plays an help arrange this.
important role in our mental wellbeing. Keep track of COVID-19’s impact on
Loneliness can be toxic to the body, the mental health of staff and share
and we know the impact it can have findings across disciplines, so businesses
on anyone who is disconnected from are alert to the concerns of their most
the people around them. But we can affected employees.
maintain positive remote-working habits
through daily video chats and calls to Here are some useful links below:
help to alleviate feelings of isolation for www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/
those who are struggling to adapt to new advantages-and-disadvantages-
measures. employees-working-home
Similarly, thought should be given to
establishing good habits in the workplace. www.personneltoday.com/hr/
It is important for employers to nurture coronavirus-managing-the-emotional-
employee relationships while staying safe. impact-of-long-term-physical-
If office space allows, consider holding distancing-in-the-workplace/
a socially distanced ‘huddle’ – an office
floor chat for all employees, where you www.news-medical.net/news/20200412/
can catch up about work issues and have What-are-the-side-effects-of-social-and-
personal conversations. physical-distancing.aspx

Providing emotional wellbeing support
As employees come to terms with
this ‘new normal’, it’s important that
businesses put in place the right
emotional wellbeing support for those
who find themselves struggling to cope
with changes. For further information, please contact
For example, online manager wellbeing Anna Stretton, Head of HR, at
training raises awareness of emotional anna@bossfederation.co.uk

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