A key part of rebuilding the workplace post-COVID-19 is employee wellbeing, which is the responsibility of both employers and employees. We discussed what is needed to rebuild the workplace in the new normal with Steve Shutts, CEO of Astriid and Toni Georgieva, HR expert, in our webinar. Find below actionable insights on how employees can take care of their own mental health and how employers can put wellbeing at the core of their strategies.
How can corporates continue to engage with their employees and ensure their mental wellbeing?
Steve Shutts: It is all about communication and the conversation between employees and employers needs to increase and needs to come from both sides. Employees are comfortable talking about their situation and employers should expect to have this conversation and should be expected to offer help. Employers need to develop the skills to really help people and it goes beyond providing more car parking spaces or more holidays.
Toni Georgieva: Constant communication is important, but it is equally important for us to be able to spot trends. The things that worked in the past month, might not work now. People are now more willing to answer surveys, which means that we can actually model our approach to this topic, together as a company.
Steve Shutts: From the employee’s perspective I would also say remember your worth and value. The organisation does not want you to fail, they want you to succeed because it is better for them anyway. You are not alone in asking for help and you are not alone in your troubles. You should be able to have these conversations and you should be able to ask for help. If the organisation does not respond appropriately, then you might need to reconsider if that is the right place for you.
Take responsibility as to where else you can work and think about what it is that you really want to do. Write down your strengths and your transferable skills and create a new normal for yourself. Taking responsibility and being less helpless is a big part of overcoming mental health issues. I imagine people that have been on furlough, unsure of where to go next and whether they still have a job, have been the most anxious and the most stressed. A big part of overcoming that is to take responsibility and act on your strengths. Build your own new normal and see where you can find better opportunities for yourself.
Steve Shutts
Watch the full webinar below: