Much of the focus of the HRchat show right now is on remote working, layoffs and leading in a crisis but in this episode we’re going to consider the mental stresses placed on those who are still out there, working on the frontlines.
Our guest in episode 172 is Dr. Bill Howatt, Chief of Research, Workforce Productivity, Conference Board of Canada. Bill shares his expertise on the stresses placed on essential-service workers and others who are putting their lives at risk by continuing customer-facing roles during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bill recently wrote an article for the Globe and Mail in which he emphasized “It’s important that we also remember the thousands of essential-service workers who aren’t dealing with home isolation. They have another challenge. They deal with the mental challenge of working in a new way and feeling isolated because of changes in work methods.” In the article, he considered three areas we all should be mindful of when thinking about those employees who have regular contact with others during the pandemic:
- Awareness
- Accountability
- Action.
About Dr. Bill Howatt
Dr. Bill Howatt is the former chief research and development officer for workforce productivity, Morneau Shepell, and founder of Howatt HR Consulting. He has over 25 years’ experience in strategic HR, mental health and addictions, and leadership. He is the creator of the online Certificate in Management Essentials (CME) program, a senate-approved leaders program that offers 18 courses through the University of New Brunswick. He is also the creator of Pathway to Coping, an online course at the same university that is grounded in the cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) approach.
He was recently a panelist on an InnovateWork Virtual summit. Check out more upcoming virtual events from InnovateWork here.
Bill has committed to offering daily videos with a focus on #MentalHealth to assist all employees and those at home during these stressful times. Check out more videos like this one here.
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