Strong mental health key to getting through pandemic crisis
The mental health of both business owners and staff is likely to be tested during this pandemic but it is important to remember that this will pass.
SA Business
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Social distancing hasn’t just forced the shutdown of thousands of businesses across South Australia, it has also created a physical distance between employers, employees and customers that can have repercussions.
Instead of meeting at work, conferences and catch ups with colleagues are now occurring over the internet at dining room tables, kitchens and within home offices. This significant disruption to normal life is likely to trigger feelings of fear and uncertainty amongst your staff, which if left unaddressed, could pose a real threat to a businesses’ bottom line.
Business owners need their staff to stick with them through this crisis because you will need them strong and healthy on the other side.
While there are now support packages available for business owners to protect their staff financially through the Federal Government’s JobKeeper Payments, protecting your own mental health and that of your staff is equally important.
At our second Business Resilience Webinar held last week, presented in partnership with Employers Mutual Limited, an expert panel spoke of the importance for employers to recognise mental health as a priority during COVID-19 and take action early to ensure the mental health and wellbeing of staff.
Some of the top tips presented at the webinar were:
EMPLOYER S are encouraged to communicate regularly with staff and define clear and flexible expectations for those working from home.
LET staff know of your availability should they need to discuss their concerns. During this time, it is important for employers and staff to maintain mutual empathy.
BUSINESS owners, managers and staff should make time for self-care using a regular routine. This could involve taking a walk, exercise or listening to music to help relax after a busy day. Maintaining a balanced life in the wake of this intense disruption will help to ensure a sense of normality and re-store some order to daily life while on lock down.
REDUCE media consumption, stick to one to two trusted sources to prevent information overload.
ACCESS support via telephone or online services. To find these visit the business-sa.com/covid19 website. Last week’s webinar is available on the Business SA website.
The mental health of both business owners and staff is likely to be tested during this pandemic but it is important to remember that this will pass.
COVID-19 has impacted on our financial and mental health, but if we take the right steps, we will get through this crisis together and come out the other side stronger.
Martin Haese is chief executive of Business SA