Here at Plus X Innovation, we're passionate about supporting both individuals and companies in navigating the future of work in these unprecedented times and over the next few months, we'll be sharing insights and tips to help you do just that.
This week we've asked Rebekah Few, our in-house mental health and wellbeing expert at Plus X Brighton, to share advice for employers who are supporting their teams with the transition back into the workplace. You can find out more about Rebekah and the wellbeing services on offer at Plus X Brighton at the bottom of this post.
Heading back to work with a new routine
Any change can throw our wellbeing into disarray. Coming out of lockdown and entering into a new working routine is no different from any other life transition. Add to this the anxiety of a global pandemic and the impact of moving from isolation to the streets being full again, it is of no surprise now more than ever, we need to keep a check on employee wellbeing.
Psychological models that focus on how we handle change suggest we move through a process of shock, denial, frustration, depression, experimentation (with the new status quo) and decision (of how to move forward) before we reach the point of integrating the change. Lockdown for employees will have thrust personal equilibrium through such a process that is now to be altered again as they head back to work.
Assessing different levels of readiness
With this in mind, it is important for an employer to prepare for differing levels of readiness from employees. Employee readiness may also be impacted by existing poor mental health. As a mental health professional, I have conversed with patients who describe feeling as though their anxiety is now on a par with society's fear and, in contrast, those who have felt acutely unwell.
Often when faced with transition and change, we look for stability and control. For those with existing mental health problems, behavioural coping mechanisms such as; self-harm, disordered eating and compulsions are often exhibited in turbulent times due to this. At the lesser end of the spectrum, we may find employees engaging in such behaviour through excessive reassurance-seeking, working at unusual times to keep on top of work and a reluctance to delegate.
Consequently, an integral factor in enabling a smooth return to work relies on the employer providing a stable environment and assurance. Effective communication, transparency and realistic time frames will remove uncertainty and, therefore, emotional stress from the return to work process. Work stress is one of the leading causes of sickness absence and presenteeism. For this reason, it is in the interest of both parties to enable a calm return to work.
Safeguarding employee mental health and wellbeing
The below outlines key areas of focus in safeguarding employee mental health and wellbeing as we return to work:
+ Enabling; employee discretion so that the individual has a feeling of ownership over what is happening to them. As an employee, it is integral to have a choice and some degree of control over how things will be handled and communicated based on our own frame of reference.
+ Creating a sense of connection between employer and employee is essential to allow the employee to feel they can approach return to work conversations. Communication should be purposeful and proactive, giving the employee regular intervals to touch base in a way that is useful for them.
+ Creating an empathetic work environment to enable an employee to feel understood and heard from their perspective is essential when returning to work post lockdown. How individuals process this transition will vary greatly. Acknowledgement of the emotional impact of an individual's experience, without making assumptions, creates an environment of empathy.
+ As part of enforcing an open and enabling work environment conducive to wellbeing, the overall business culture should echo the mantra of an emotionally safe environment. The way process and policy are created and enforced is essential to ensuring they are person-centred, flexible, and inclusive.
Times of adversity can lead to great connection or disconnection; within the workplace, we have an opportunity to make a profound difference in an individual's wellbeing and, in turn, reap the reward of having a productive team.
Very often, we think we listen, but rarely do we listen with empathy, the type of listening that is one of the most potent forces for change.
Connect with Rebekah and join our wellbeing initiatives at Plus X Brighton
Rebekah Few is a freelance mental health and public health consultant and facilitator with a portfolio in health improvement resulting from experience within many facets of the speciality. You can connect with Rebekah on LinkedIn here and visit her website here. Rebekah offers advice and support for members in-house at Plus X Brighton Innovation, this is just one of the many wellbeing benefits available to members alongside:
+ Twice weekly yoga classes
+ Access to well-being guides and library
+ Air quality monitoring and biophilia
+ A locally sourced and nutritionally balanced cafe
+ Complimentary aromatherapy and ProductiviTEA
Book a tour of Plus X Brighton with monthly rolling coworking, resident desk and office memberships available.
Considering the mental wellbeing of your team
We're passionate about supporting both individuals and companies in navigating the future of work in these unprecedented times.
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