How Employers can Support Employees Returning to Work

Written by Marie Miguel

People have been gradually returning to work for a while, but as people continue to return as industries ramp up for Summer while vaccinations continue to rise, it is important that employers know how to support them. In addition, people have been in an out of work as Covid-19 cases fluctuate and people attempt to manage.

Changes can bring on anxiety about returning to work after so long working remotely from home. However, if the fear of returning to work is causing overwhelming feelings of anxiety, you may want to think about exposure therapy. Our experiences with the global coronavirus pandemic may have been traumatic and it is important that negative feelings do not go unaddressed.

Make Employee Mental Health a Priority

While employee mental health should always be important, it is more so now. The social isolation from lockdowns and social distancing and the stress and fear that come along with the pandemic have contributed to mental health issues across the world. Employers need to offer mental health and wellness services more now than ever before.

In addition, it is important that employers understand the need of mental health days as a good reason for asking time off. We all need time to recuperate and be free from stressors. In addition, time off may even help employees increase their productivity.

It may be good to provide counseling. The overall welfare of employees is important, and these difficult times have increased stress levels. It is important that everyone has access to mental health services that they may need. This could be accessible through a phone line or video call. Employers can also use one day a month to address different issues that may be affecting employees.

Reduce Chance of Covid-19

Employees may be afraid of contracting Covid-19 as well. It is important that employers take the necessary precautions to protect their health. This likely means that there will be increased sanitization efforts and social distancing techniques. Employers may also want to implement hand sanitizer stations around the workplace.

Flexibility

Flexibility is not always possible, but for the times when it is, it can be helpful in many ways. Some people may be able to work from home at least part of the time. This can help people remain in their preferred, safe environment while getting the same amount, or even more, work completed.

It is important that employers maintain the flexibility because people’s lives have greatly changed since the beginning of the pandemic. An employer can also make necessary accommodations to help their employees feel comfortable if they cannot work from home anymore.

Communicate

It is important for employers to communicate with their employees. This communication should be transparent and open-ended. This means to speak about things about the company and the future of work. It also needs to include any changes in policy, changes, job security, and the stability of the industry.

Communicating these things and being open to questions, concerns, and other things from employees can help everyone feel safe, comfortable, and important. Everyone has been affected in one way or another by the pandemic and it is important for an employer to show that they care.

Child Care

Some employees may have children who are still having to learn remotely. This can be a source of stress for a lot of people as they have to return to the workplace. Employers can offer a daycare service to their employees until the children go back to school. This can help to reduce employees stress levels and make them happier in their work environment.

Conclusion

It is important for employers to make their employees feel comfortable and safe. This may mean some changes to the workplace so that the workers can be socially distanced. It may also mean increased access to mental health services and childcare. The most important things are to encourage communication. Employers need to tell their workers any changes that have been, or will be, implemented and they should also welcome their employees to speak to them about any concerns that they have. All of these steps can help to foster a positive work environment and improved welfare for everyone.

About the author

Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.