It’s time for some tough questions.
Photo credit: garett-mizunaka, unsplash
Before I begin with my reasons for writing this letter, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Not only are we mourning thousands of lives, but we are living through a crisis and preparing for the unknown.
High levels of stress and anxiety are a natural reaction to threat and as a nation, we were working to tackle the mental health crisis long before the pandemic. Sadly for many, the enormity of the current crisis has exacerbated mental health issues and affected others who have never experienced problems before. That’s why I am appealing to senior government leaders and business owners to act now and prevent a mental health fallout post lockdown.
Mental health has been on the business agenda for some time but if there is one thing that this crisis has made clear, it’s that there is still a long way to go when it comes to providing effective support to employees.
A positive and supportive workplace can make all the difference when it comes to mental health and now more than ever, business have a duty of care to their workforce. However, clear guidance on how to provide that has been missing from the advice issued by the government to UK business, despite the enormity of the changes. Indeed in the most recent guidance from the government – “The Plan to Rebuild” – mental health is only referenced in three instances. It’s a 50 page strategy document detailing physical distancing measures to keep workers safe and yet it only touches on the long term impact on mental health in the workplace if lockdown continues. It doesn’t encourage business leaders to take an active role in supporting the wellbeing of workers which I strongly feel is of equal importance.
Unfortunately, whilst businesses were quick to adapt to social distancing, working from home and hygiene rules, for many, emotional wellbeing for employees was an afterthought. Workplace culture needs to change and it is vital that businesses take their responsibility in supporting employees with their mental health seriously. The psychological strain of the crisis is impossible to ignore and whether staff have been working on the front line, furloughed or working from home whilst homeschooling, it’s likely to have a long term impact on mental health.
In time, Britain will come to review it’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic but mental health simply can’t wait. As businesses continue to navigate these unchartered waters, they will learn that timely action is required to minimise the impact on mental health within their workforce. Only by being open and honest with how we have acted will make a real difference going forward. It’s time to make a profound change and we are urging leaders who answer No to any of the following questions to get in touch with us today.
Was mental health a key strategic priority from the early stages of the outbreak?
Did you give mental health as much consideration as you did physical health or financial matters?
Did you provide guidance on safeguarding employees mental health?
Did you speak openly about mental health in the workplace?
Have you maintained regular contact with your furloughed employees to check on their wellbeing?
Have you given thought to what you could’ve done better?
Do you feel prepared for the likely mental health fallout?
Open letter, Jill Mead