Supporting your workers' mental health during COVID-19

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Digital/telephone helpline usage has jumped dramatically since the Coronavirus became a global pandemic and it’s easy to understand why. Loss of jobs, children being home schooled, working from home, lockdowns, border closures, and increased financial stress are all impacting Australians in a myriad of ways.

Over the last 30 years, mental health has been a growing part of Health and Safety and now is a major consideration and component. WHS laws do in fact cover psychological health risks (that is, risks to mental health), however, the resulting practical obligations may be less clear. These laws require employers to eliminate or minimise such risks to workers’ psychological health and safety that arise from the work carried out by the business (in so far as reasonably possible).   

As an employer want can you do to support your employees during this time?

Understanding the pressures workers may be facing.

Aide from the personal aspects of someone’s life. There are a number of work-related challenges employees may be facing which can be affecting their mental health.

  • Increased isolation e.g. working from home

  • Low support to complete their work

  • Work-life balance (separating work and home life)

  • Concerns over job security

  • Organisation change

Addressing mental health

  • Increase communication between team members and discuss things other than work. Try using video calls even for quicker chats between workers as it provides a stronger sense of connection than a phone call. 

  • Check in with others about their mental health or how their feeling about the lockdowns/COVID-19 situation. R U Ok has a number of suggestions if you’re not sure how to start the conversation (see link at end of article).

  • Introduce high-hearted activities in team meetings – it can be easy to focus purely on work during meetings so introducing a short activity can help build morale. Things might include setting challenges each week (like learning a new skill), playing a team building game, quizzes etc.

  • Lead by example – it can be easier for workers to raise their own struggles when a safe space is created for them. As a manager, you can volunteer how you’re feeling to start the discussion or set an example.

  • Encourage breaks or walks by encouraging workers to take breaks or catch some sunshine for 10-15 mins.

Furthermore, organisations can try and identify workers who are more at risk of COVID-19 related psychological health risks (such as those living on their own or caring for family members) and endeavour to check in on them more regularly.

See below for some useful resources:

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has released some Mental Health Webinars which can be helpful to watch.

Worksafe Victoria’s also compiled some COVID-19 Mental health resources.

R U Okay Day also provides helpful resources.

Alicja Gibert