How to have supportive conversations about the impact of Coronavirus Viewpoint careers advice blog

How to have supportive conversations about the impact of Coronavirus Many of us are feeling heightened stress and anxiety during this challenging time, as we face changed working circumstances, health concerns, lost social connections and financial pressures. These pressures are real and can be all consuming, at a time when we are potentially being asked to work harder, longer or more flexibly than ever before. For these reasons it is vital that organisations focus on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of colleagues who face uncertainty due to the coronavirus. Lots of employees may have concerns about their job security, or how to cope with working from home, or supporting furloughed staff, and balancing the ‘new normal’ of blending home life with their working day. Three ways to support your employees during this period Here are some tips for having a conversation about the impact coronavirus is having, and most importantly, how to support each other during this period: 1. Making time and (virtual) space As a Mental Health First Aider, I’ve had to think a bit differently about how to offer support in this new virtual landscape. I’m sure many of the three million Mental Health First Aiders across the globe, like me, are being approached by colleagues with concerns related to the current crisis. Firstly, it’s important to create regular opportunities for check-ins with your team. At MHFA England we have arranged a remote team coffee every morning, which allows for natural conversation about the day ahead or any other concerns. Staff won’t just bump into one another organically at work, so make sure to organise informal sessions for all staff, including any who may be on furlough leave, to catch up with each other and discuss what’s on their minds. If someone approaches you with concerns in a remote setting, it’s important to apply the same principles around having a conversation as you would in person. Make sure to set enough time aside, minimise distractions around you (you may need to move to another room in your home), and give the person your full focus by turning off your notifications and other devices. Remember, if you are a Mental Health First Aider, you can let your colleagues know you are there to support them by adding a line into your email signature or by sharing a digital poster. 2. Practical suggestions One of the most common concerns for staff will be adjusting to working from home. There are some simple suggestions here which can really help support your colleagues’ wellbeing during this period. Encouraging structure and routine is a good first step. Regular exercise, waking up and getting ready at the same time every day, and setting up a workspace that’s separate from your sleeping area are a good start. This can help people prepare for work mode and make it easier to switch off at the end of the day. You can find more ideas on how to promote good mental health whilst working from home here. Practising self-care is another great way to help manage stress levels. Encourage colleagues, and yourself, to make time for the things they enjoy, whether that’s watching a favourite television series or spending time with family, doing something creative or learning a new skill. You may find new ways to relax that you can share with colleagues or use to start a conversation with an employee who appears stressed. As a Mental Health First Aider, I try to encourage colleagues to seek further support should they need it. Your organisation may have an Employee Assistance Programme available, but there are lots of free resources to suggest too. Remember that you are not a councillor or therapist, but you are there to offer support and signpost. For anyone caring for people while working at home, encourage them to make time for themselves. While it’s essential we support our family, friends, and colleagues at this time, we also have to look after our own mental wellbeing. You cannot pour from an empty cup, so practice what you preach and prioritise your own wellbeing before supporting others. 3. Connecting authentically In the current climate, and as more organisations move to home working, authentic human connections are vital for our wellbeing. Our ‘work lives’ and ‘home lives’ are merging more than they have ever done before. On the positive side we will get to know each other better but may also find our personal responsibilities clashing with our working day, such as children needing care at home due to school closures, or elderly parents in need of support. We need to embrace this change and create a workplace culture where everyone can be their ‘whole self’ while at work, wherever that may be. Empowering people to feel comfortable to be their authentic self at work will help create an atmosphere of psychological safety, meaning they are more likely to feel comfortable opening up about any concerns. At MHFA England we have kickstarted a range of activities to get to know each other better and stay connected during this period. You could start by encouraging colleagues to share more about their hobbies and passions â€" for example, a virtual book club or film review session. You could also take it in turns to give a webcam tour of your new workspace, share some treasured photos, or introduce your colleagues to your beloved household pets. Check out our My Whole Self resources for more ideas. To conclude Talking to colleagues about their mental health and wellbeing in the context of the coronavirus outbreak doesn’t need to be daunting. Start by thinking about how you create the right workplace culture (even if this is virtual) where people feel comfortable enough to talk about new stresses or anxieties. Check in regularly with your colleagues and create time and space for people to offer and seek support. This will support your team not only to survive, but thrive in the coming months. You can also find more tips and ideas to help start supportive conversations in MHFA England’s Take 10 Together toolkit. Did you find this blog useful? Here is some  related content  that you might find helpful during this difficult time: Five ways to stay calm and focused at work during times of crisis How to stop yourself from overworking when in lockdown How to upskill when you’re self-isolating How to be super productive when working from home Become more mindful, inside and outside of work How to have a mentally healthy relationship with technology Eight questions to ask yourself when leading remotely How to engage and motivate your team remotely