HR think tank
using mental health initiatives to boost employee performance post-pandemic
Post-pandemic, many HR professionals are paying close attention to the mental health of their employees, and with good reason. Here are some strategies that can be implemented to help improve the mental health in virtually any organisation:
facilitating individual or group coaching sessions
Providing access to therapy or coaching from qualified individuals, whether utilising a one-on-one approach or in a group setting, can prove beneficial for companies and their staff to help employees struggling with mental health concerns post-pandemic. By providing an outlet and avenue for employees to participate in counselling, companies are fostering a safe place for employees to regain their perspective following the pandemic. Group therapy or group workshops prove quite helpful also by creating healthy employee and staff engagement, resulting in strengthening internal communication and, ultimately, better work completion rates for employees. Group workshops can help employees share their coping techniques with one another and may even result in creating new friendships at work. Giving employees the tools needed to recover from the pandemic can only create a win-win for companies wondering how to bounce back following the pandemic. Remember, happy employees equal a happy productive office!
implementing a flexi-work schedule
Having a flexible work schedule has been proven to have a positive impact on employees’ mental health and productivity through the pandemic as well as lasting positive effects on employee morale. Allowing employees to create their own work schedules gives them the autonomy and responsibility to self-manage their workload for optimum performance. It opens the door for employees to feel in control and committed to giving their best service to a company that values their input and work ethic. Finland, New Zealand and Iceland have already begun to reap the economic rewards of creating flexi-work schedules that have boosted morale and productivity.
adding remote Working options
Remote working, which has become the norm during the pandemic, can be a mixed blessing. For some employees, working from home can be very stressful. Without the structure of an office environment, coupled with domestic distractions, remote working can play havoc with mental health and productivity. For others, for example, parents without access to daycare, remote work options can actually be a saving grace for their career with their company. It is important that leaders and managers learn how to manage performance in the new virtual space, not only by implementing appropriate measurement tools, but also by taking the time to talk to staff and provide guidance to those who may be having difficulties coping with the change. Some of the companies that have committed to making the switch to remote work options are Facebook, Amazon, Google, Capital One, and American Express, with Facebook planning to be completely remote by 2025.
hosting talks and presentations by mental health specialists
Inviting mental health professionals to come and speak to your employees can increase awareness around common mental health concerns. You may have staff that are struggling with mental challenges and feel like they have no one to go to for support. Hosting wellness workshops or similar interventions shows your staff that you care about their well-being both in and out of the office. These learning experiences can also help employees who are struggling with domestic or other physiological issues like anxiety and depression, since some may not feel comfortable sharing these problems openly. At the end of the day, employees will always feel a greater level of commitment to companies that are interested in their overall welfare.
Prioritising employee health and well-being is critical to people achieving their full potential at work.