With lockdown restrictions now eased, you may experience a mixture of feelings about the changes ahead and going back to the now ‘normal’.
Temporary, medium- or long-term wellbeing changes and advancements may be needed to help ease your employees back to work. From employees needing that extra time to help them get used to travelling back to work in the morning, the flexibility of managing their workload, or even reinforcing the need to not respond to emails that are sent outside of working hours.
Below are our five key suggestions on how to support your workforce who may be suffering with poor mental health when they return to the office.
- For a more in-depth read, download our full report: Looking after your workforce in 2021 here.
conversations.
Line managers should support their employees by encouraging and empowering them to be upfront and open about their mental health. This helps to create an honest and open environment and can be a relief to you both. These conversations can help your employee feel as if they are no longer alone and you can help support them with the right steps to improving their mental health whether it’s taking some tasks off their hands or allowing them to be flexible with their schedule.
work-related issues that impact their mental health.
Get your employees the help they need if they’re overwhelmed or anxious about their workload; help them get organised, work with them to decide what’s a priority and what’s not, reallocate work if able to and offer your employees training and support. Some employees might be suffering from imposter syndrome, or feeling ‘inadequate’ for needing help and won’t ask for help - you may need to provide them with some reassurance that they’re valued.
work-life balance.
Our Randstad Employer Brand report recently revealed that 65% of employees would swap a higher salary for a better work-life balance - that's the first time in seven years. As a manager, it’s important to set the right tone of how you want your team to be. Try to maintain a positive work life balance; encourage your employees to leave the office and reconnect with nature, ensure they’re taking lunch away from their desks or even ensure your employees finish at a suitable time so they don’t hit traffic when they leave. Remember, look after your own wellbeing so that you can be there to support your team.
step away from the tech.
Even if your workplace continues to offer working from home as an option, encourage your team to come into the office if they are up to it, so that they’re stepping away from their tech and can experience face to face meetings again. Switch things up and do a walk and talk meeting or even just a telephone call to break up their screen time.
workplace support.
Most companies offer wellbeing support as part of their benefits package. Ensure your employees know how to access the tools and where they go to for more information about the support available.
Randstad has always been dedicated to investing in resources to improve the mental wellbeing of our candidates, clients and employees alike. Click the following link to find a range of videos, articles, advice pieces and resources which will help you improve your own mental well-being and help those around you in the workplace.