Looking after your team after Lockdown

It is a strange world in which we are living. Normal everyday stresses and worries around finances, health, personal concerns are being compounded by the problems of COVID-19, being pinged by the NHS App, returning from furlough, coping with isolation and personal losses, trying to decide what is safe and what is not when out and about. For employees it is even harder since they have to take into account the needs of colleagues as well.

Business owners face all those problems together with the worry of having to rebuild a business after the trading problems of the past months caused by lockdowns, cancelled events and a constantly changing business environment. The temptation to work long hours in a bid to regain some of that lost time is inevitably present. But this can be the wrong move since it will only result in greater stress on everyone.

As a result, companies need to take extra time to consider the well being of their employees since it will ultimately affect all aspects of your business. In 2019, the Labour Force Survey pointed out that 55% of working days were lost due to mental health issues. Taking action to help employees doesn’t involve major changes. There are simple ways in which every company can make a difference. This is an opportunity for change, for transforming your business and the way it operates.

How can businesses help?

• Provide mental health first aid training to all employees

• Recognise when staff are having problems

• Be prepared to listen and talk

• Show sympathy and understanding (remember that it may be you next time needing help)

• Introduce flexible working and flexible leave

• Include some stress relieving activities into the working day

• Make sure that employees take time off at lunchtimes and do something different

• Be realistic as regards client deadlines. Make sure that teams can cope and that deadlines can be met.

• Be honest with clients. Don’t agree to unrealistic deadlines and put your team under pressure.