4 Years On: Have We Really Learned Any Lessons Yet?

2020 seems so far away in many respects, yet it is a time etched in our collective memories, each experiencing our own versions of trauma, loss, change and impact.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on employee mental health and wellbeing, significantly altering the workplace landscape worldwide. As businesses rapidly shifted to remote work models or adapted to new safety protocols, employees faced unprecedented challenges that affected their psychological health in various ways.

One of the primary stressors during the pandemic was the abrupt transition to remote work for many industries. While remote work offered flexibility and safety benefits, it also blurred the boundaries between work and home life. Employees found themselves juggling professional responsibilities with household chores, childcare, and personal wellbeing, often leading to increased stress and burnout. The lack of separation between work and personal life exacerbated feelings of overwhelm and fatigue, contributing to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Moreover, the pandemic-induced economic uncertainty added another layer of stress. Many employees feared for their job security as companies downsized or implemented cost-cutting measures. This fear, coupled with the pressure to perform optimally in a remote environment, intensified feelings of anxiety and reduced job satisfaction. Employees worried about their financial stability and future career prospects, further straining their mental health.

Social isolation and reduced social interactions also took a toll on employee wellbeing. Remote work eliminated the casual office interactions and camaraderie that employees relied on for social support and a sense of belonging. Human connection, a crucial aspect of mental health, became limited to virtual meetings and online chats, which did not fully compensate for face-to-face interactions. The resulting loneliness and isolation contributed to feelings of loneliness, disconnection, and even exacerbated symptoms of depression among some employees.

Furthermore, the pandemic brought to light existing disparities in mental health support within organisations. While some companies swiftly adapted by offering virtual counselling services and mental health resources, others struggled to provide adequate support to their employees. Access to mental health resources varied widely depending on the employer's policies and resources, leaving some employees feeling unsupported during a time of heightened stress and uncertainty.

On a positive note, the pandemic also spurred increased awareness and prioritisation of mental health in the workplace. Employers began to recognise the importance of mental wellbeing and implemented new policies and initiatives to support their employees. From flexible work arrangements to mental health days and mindfulness programs, companies started investing in initiatives aimed at promoting employee mental health and fostering a supportive work environment.

That said, at a country-wide level, there is still so much more to do.

Looking ahead, the lessons learned from the pandemic underscore the need for organisations to continue prioritising mental health and wellbeing initiatives. Building resilience among employees, fostering open communication about mental health, and creating inclusive work environments are crucial steps toward supporting employees in a post-pandemic world. By addressing these issues proactively, employers can not only enhance employee satisfaction and productivity (and by extension profitability) but also contribute to a healthier and more resilient workforce overall, especially as we continue to understand the true extent of the pandemic period on life today and in the future.

Please book a call if you would like to discuss how YOU can prioritise employee wellbeing AND increase your profitability.