Virus raises mental health concerns

As workplaces reopen, assistance is vital

Question: My company is preparing to reopen the office. I'm excited to get back to work, but I'm also really worried. I have anxiety and clinical depression that has been exacerbated during the pandemic. Previously, my company hasn't paid much attention to mental health, but I feel like COVID- 19 has changed the game. How do I talk about my options with my manager? Can I ask them to provide resources? - Anonymous

Taylor: I’m sorry to hear you are struggling with anxiety and depression, though, I completely understand why your return to work would bring up mixed emotions.

On the one hand, getting back into a routine can be comforting. But on the other, this “old” routine for many employees is very different than the normal they knew before COVID- 19.

I want you to know you’re not alone. Nearly 1 in 4 employees report feeling down, depressed, or hopeless often, and 41% feel burnt out, drained, or exhausted from their work.

You’re exactly right about COVID- 19 turning employers’ attention to mental health. As companies create return- towork policies and procedures, many are now including information and resources to help meet employees’ mental health needs.

Does your company offer an Employee Assistance Program ( EAP)? If you’re unsure, ask HR. Through these programs, many organizations offer mental health resources, such as counseling services, through health insurance carriers and EAPs.

As you know, depression and anxiety can make it difficult to focus on work – especially at a time when the world seems upside down. If you feel like your work will be significantly impacted, I suggest working together with your doctor and your employer to explore reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you go this route, I recommend reflecting on your experience first. I know sifting through and understanding emotions can be difficult. But if you notice something specific – taking public transit, sitting too close to co- workers, etc. – triggers negative thoughts or feelings, focus your efforts on finding an accommodation that addresses that stress, such as telework or a staggered schedule at the office.

Thank you for sharing your struggle –

I hope this helps. Have a happy and healthy return to work!

Question: I'm recovering from COVID- 19 and it's been rough, to say the least; but instead of my COO being understanding, she says “I hope you feel better,” but then proceeds to ask me for work- related items. That has incensed me because I do not feel valued as an employee. How can I address this once I return to work? - Anonymous

Johnny C. Taylor Jr.: I’m happy to hear you’re recovering from COVID- 19. I imagine getting back into the swing of things hasn’t been easy but, before you broach this topic, try to consider this from your employer’s perspective.

Believe me. I know first- hand how essential it is for leaders to be empathetic and to regularly check in with employees. But many leaders are almost maniacally focused on the state of business.

And, given how COVID- 19 has left almost no corner of the workplace untouched, it’s possible your company has had to pivot to meet the challenges of the pandemic.

Let’s address the main point here: The Chief Operating Officer ( COO) asking you about work- related items doesn’t mean she doesn’t care about your well- being or that you’re undervalued. In fact, I would argue quite the opposite – her reliance shows you’re valued.

That said, because you are still recovering it’s not out of the question to respectfully set boundaries – especially if you are on leave or taking time off. You could share that you’re not feeling well and ask if you could provide that information upon your return. You might also suggest, tactfully, that a colleague could assist with these requests in your absence.

If you need help with this conversation, try to find an HR representative who knows your COO’s personality and communication style. They may be able to provide suggestions on how to communicate not only your need to recover from COVID- 19 but how you are feeling and what you look for in a leader. Doing so could not only solve your problem now but strengthen your relationship going forward into the future.

While you may feel disappointed or frustrated with the way your company has been communicating with you, I ask you to consider the dynamic of your relationship with your COO for what it is: A working one.

I wish you a quick recovery!

GETTY IMAGES Nearly 1 in 4 employees report feeling down, depressed, or hopeless during the COVID- 19 pandemic, Johnny C. Taylor Jr. says.