In these difficult times when organisations are trying to balance the economic compulsions with employee safety and health, Dr Rahul Kalia, Medical Director, India International SOS, said, “The inability to focus on the emerging mental health and wellbeing challenges amongst the workforce will surely undermine the overall health of the workforce and hence of the organisation in time to come, if not already.”
As companies are working remotely with employees geographically distributed, experts opine there will be a need to increase employee engagement with a greater focus on psychological safety so that people adapt to the new way of working and be more open in admitting their mistakes, without fear.
Working from home full time can sometimes cause one to feel isolated and lonely, which can further cause psychological distress. Therefore, as specialists say, communicating with your co-workers and staying in touch with your colleagues and friends are extremely important to remain mentally fit during these uncertain times.
Need for leaders to listen to their employees’ concerns and problems
Satyanarayanan Visvanathan, SVP and Head of HR (Global) & Corporate Quality, CSS Corp, said organisations need to go the extra mile to support employees in these times of need and to counter the probable seclusion and loneliness that has emerged owing to the remote working conditions.
He said CSS Corp recently introduced a platform, called Turning Point, that allows its employees to directly speak to experts and mental health practitioners, and seek their help towards alleviating the rigours and stress that emerge from working in today’s new normal.
“The innate need for socializing and human contact drives and motivates people. The lack of it thereof can lead to alienation and a disturbed workforce,” Visvanathan said.