As we look ahead at the rest of 2020, we have no choice but to tackle the major employee mental health crisis that has grown out of our current global pandemic.
Let’s get real – managing our current stress, anxiety and depressive feelings is already overwhelming, the problem is growing, and the residual impact will last for many years to come. Every generation has its own unique challenges, but across the globe, people are struggling to keep their heads above water. In this climate – evidence-based wellness for your mental health serves as a life jacket.
Prior to COVID-19, 19% of adults in the United States reported poor mental health. In July 2020 the number had risen to 53% (KFF Health Tracking Poll – July 2020. (2020c, August 14). KFF). On top of that, 60% believe the worst is yet to come and 81% of parents are concerned with their childrens’ development (COVID Response Center. (n.d.). McKinsey & Company. Retrieved August 19, 2020). Employees are grappling with the stress of the economy, job security, their children’s mental health, home schooling and more. To make matters worse, 50% of employees are uncomfortable discussing mental health issues, so we can assume that the problem in your organization is even bigger than you think it is (KFF Health Tracking Poll – July 2020. (2020c, August 14). KFF).
Employee Stress and Anxiety
This is concerning on many levels. These ongoing stressors are making employees less productive and increasing turnover. Further, a recent study by Massachusetts General Hospital determined that, if untreated, mental health issues increase healthcare costs for affected individuals by 200%-300% (Mental Health in the Workplace. (n.d.). Center For Disease Control. Retrieved August 19, 2020). Morale, company culture and customer interactions are all hurting. For example, just the other day I was on the receiving end of a poor customer experience. When I called to straighten out the problem, I was connected to a customer service agent who I could hear had a crying baby and a screaming toddler in the background. Within the first minute of our call, and as soon as I mentioned that it sounded like she had her hands full, the customer service agent burst into tears. Just my acknowledgment of her juggling act tipped this struggling employee over the edge. She was teetering at a breaking point, as so many people are right now.
Not only are our employees stressed but they are experiencing increased anxiety, depression, weight gain, back pain, and grappling with feelings of grief and trauma related to COVID and the state of our world overall. They are concerned about their families and finances. All of these factors combine to paint a bleak picture for individual employees, as well as a company’s bottom line.
Our traditional means of mental health support alone won’t do the trick in the face of this extreme situational stress. Employees need tools and coaching to navigate this unchartered territory. Calling on evidence-based wellness to optimize employees’ mental, emotional, and physical functioning is key to attacking the problem effectively. Supporting employees in the development of healthy behaviors and habits as they WFH or face re-entry is foundational to mental health right now. Understanding that people learn and develop differently and that multiple touchpoints and mediums are needed to truly lift up a whole organization is also key to success.
About the Author: Julie Wald, MSW, Founder and CEO of Namaste Wellness
Her company, Namaste Wellness uses a multi-touch approach to supporting mental health and teaching selfcare. Wellness education, experiential wellness, and fitness classes, evidence-based wellness tips, as well as personalized 1:1 coaching are all used to meet employees where they are and support them on a journey towards optimized functioning and mental well being in the face of stress. This holistic and multi-modality approach casts an inclusive net, enabling companies to customize how and what they emphasize and give employees options based on the nuances of their challenges and availability. As the saying goes, you can bring a person a fish and feed them for a day. You can teach a person to fish and feed them for a lifetime. Providing your employees with mental health tools for personal self-care is both effective and cost-effective.
After working with high-performing organizations for almost 20 years, the firm has learned that support is a precondition of success. Companies who understand and act on the idea that employees are their most important asset will not only do good, but they will also do well, and receive a huge return on investment.