Working from home? Check out Crux Careers’ employee wellness tips

Property industry recruitment specialists Crux Careers discuss the importance of workplace wellbeing programs for employees who are still working from home.

A recent study on remote working and its effect on mental health has revealed that 80% of British people feel their mental wellbeing has deteriorated during lockdown. What can be done to support employees we hear you ask? This article aims to provide some reassurance and support during such challenging times.

How should businesses offer mental health support for employees?

While some businesses are starting with a gradual return to the workplace - as lockdown restrictions are lifted, others have decided to tentatively and cautiously return to the office in September. By this time, some remote workers will have experienced 18 months of working from home and being separated from their colleagues.

A recent study, by Nuffield Health, found that working from home has affected employees’ mental health in a variety of ways, such as the anxiety of job insecurity, financial loss and isolation, causing the highest levels of stress.
 
Employers have a legal duty to protect the welfare, health and safety of their employees.  That duty of care includes both mental and physical health.  Employers can take measures to support staff by providing appropriate wellbeing programs for employees who are still working from home.

Employers should consider these four points:
 
1. Brief your managers

Ensure that line managers are aware of how Covid-19 may have affected staff. Regular team meetings should be held to discuss the company plan of action and steps to support employees going forward.

2. Assess your company culture

Think about ways you can adapt your internal communication to encourage an open and supportive environment in regards to mental health. Employees should be reassured that it is okay to talk about their concerns, anxieties and be encouraged to seek the support that is right for them.

3. Implement workplace wellbeing programs for your workforce
 
Wellbeing programs could include open mental health discussions with the team, 1-1s and access to mental health specialists such as counsellors. Remote exercises or meditation sessions over Teams, Zoom or other webinar channels with a healthy eating consultant could also benefit the workplace. Why not trial healthy snack subscription boxes for your staff?

4. Create a plan for how employees will return to the office
 
Some employees may feel nervous about travelling on public transport or working closely with colleagues.  Providing a contingency plan and a Covid-safe return strategy will reassure the workplace and reduce anxiety levels. Communication is key.
 
As a leading recruitment agency for the property industry, we understand the importance of health and wellness for employees. We are always happy to advise on training and employment questions, so why not give us a call?