Prioritise employees' wellbeing during tough times
As we enter the second year of the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s clear that the “new normal” is taking its toll on SA. The effects of a struggling economy and rising unemployment has been particularly hardhitting on younger generations, while the emotional and mental strain of social restrictions has compounded the problem.
There has been an increase in substance abuse as a coping mechanism, which highlights a growing need for companies to focus on the wellbeing of younger staff, particularly through employee assistance programmes.
A 2020 study published in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry examined the psychosocial impact of the pandemic. The study concluded that unhealthy coping mechanisms (such as substance abuse) were higher among the younger age groups, particularly millennials (15 to 34 years old).
Closer to home, a study by the SA Labour and Development Research Unit assessed depressive symptoms among young people aged 18-35 years during lockdown. An online survey of 11,700 participants in all provinces revealed a prevalence of 72% among younger participants, which is high and extremely worrisome.
One of the most obvious unhealthy coping mechanisms is drinking. Repeated blanket bans on the sale of alcohol over the past year have had little positive effect. In fact, the alcohol prohibitions exacerbated an already dire situation as many individuals turned to other illegal, dangerous substances.
Not only is this problematic in terms of health repercussions, but there are also criminal and legal implications. The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act demands a zero-tolerance approach toward intoxication in the workplace, particularly in high-risk sectors where accidents can be life-threatening.
This requires clear antiintoxication policies coupled with strict enforcement which should be counterbalanced by measures to identify and address the underlying issue of substance abuse.
This is particularly important right now given the collective mental fragility of our younger population, as draconian implementation of substance testing and disciplinary action will only cause employees to be more devious in attempts to conceal their substance abuse problem.
Employee assistance programmes (EAPs) can be an effective means for individuals to come forward and admit to substance dependency and ask for help in dealing with their problem, without fear of disciplinary backlash. The specifics will vary – some organisations assist employees by sponsoring their rehabilitation, but at the very least the individual should be afforded paid sick leave to seek treatment.
In addition to confidentiality, organisations need to prioritise the mental wellbeing of workers, while educating and creating awareness of the dangers of substance abuse and available options for treatment and recovery.
As difficult as it may be to face, life is going to get a lot harder as we continue to deal with the impact of a pandemic. Businesses will have to step up during these tough times and prioritise the wellbeing of workers.
People are the most important asset in any business, and right now those assets need additional support and assistance.