In recent years, both larger companies and small business owners have developed a growing appreciation for the role mental health plays at work. Hurricane season has hit the Southeast US hard, and promoting mental health after a disaster is crucial. Here are some ways that you, as an employer, can do to promote the mental well-being of your employees through a disaster and throughout the year. The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated October 10
th as World Mental Health Day.
The 2024 theme is “mental health at work.” This year, Hurricane Helene has affected many people in the Southeast United States and beyond, so we’ll look at ways business owners and their employees can care for themselves and their mental health during this challenging time.
A Guide to Navigating Mental Health After a Disaster
Disasters profoundly affect everyone, and the communities we build through work can offer us support. Everyone needs care and rest during challenging times, and employers and employees alike must remember to be gentle and supportive of each other.
Understanding Emotional Responses
In the aftermath of a disaster, a wide range of emotional responses can surface. These may include feeling drained, facing difficulties with decision-making or concentration, increased irritability, and shifts in mood or physical well-being, such as changes in sleep or appetite. It's crucial to recognize these reactions as normal and temporary. Accepting that these feelings will arise in yourself and others and taking steps to address your needs and those of your employees, colleagues, family, and friends is a positive way forward.
The Path to Recovery
Recovery is a process that requires time and patience. Here are
some steps that each person can take to aid their recovery:
- Safety First: Ensure you and your family are in a safe environment and address any immediate health needs.
- Nourishment and Rest: Maintain a balanced diet and try to rest whenever possible, despite the circumstances.
- Limit Exposure: Reduce the intake of disaster-related news to avoid continuous stress.
- Stay Connected: Lean on your support network of family and friends. Shared activities can offer relief and comfort.
- Patience and Prioritization: Be gentle with yourself and others. Focus on managing tasks in small, achievable steps.
- Seek Information: Look for resources and assistance to meet your needs related to the disaster.
- Stay Positive: Remind yourself of your resilience, seek support when needed, and help others when they need it.
When Additional Help is Needed
If emotional distress persists for an extended period, such as two weeks or more, and starts affecting daily life and relationships, it might be time to seek additional support. Signs to watch for include persistent sadness, anger, difficulties with sleep or eating, loss of interest in activities, physical symptoms like headaches, feelings of guilt, or withdrawal from social interactions.
How to Promote Mental Health at Your Company
Promoting mental health in the workplace is something we need to do year-round, not only when disaster strikes. When these best practices are followed, employers and employees alike will be more resilient when challenging times arise. The WHO provides many ways
to be proactive in establishing an environment that promotes mental health at your office.
Awareness and Support
Educate employees about mental health issues. Let them know what to look for and what resources are available. Support their needs to help them feel they can be open in the workplace about their struggles. You can arrange for online courses or periodic in-person seminars on mental health, so they know how to keep their spirits up and what to do when an issue does arrive.
Work-Life Balance
Overworked employees may suffer from burnout, which affects their mental health and productivity. Your company should encourage vacations, breaks during the workday, and family time. A little bit of “me time” will pay huge dividends in terms of mental health and increased productivity.
Hybrid Work
Some employees find coming to the office every day overwhelming. If possible, allow your employees to work from home some days of the week. Avoiding rush hour traffic, a change in scenery, and some alone time can keep an employee relaxed and ready to work.
Training
It can be very stressful when an employee isn’t prepared to do their job. Make sure your employees have the skills they need to perform their duties. Especially when there’s a shift in responsibilities or the company introduces new software, ensure that you’re offering your employees the necessary training.
Even if they don’t need training for their current position, consider offering training to learn new skills. Being well-rounded will make your employees feel more needed, marketable, and secure.
Conclusion
Recovering from a disaster is deeply personal and collective. process. Recognizing and addressing the emotional impact is as crucial as the physical rebuilding process. By understanding the common reactions, taking proactive steps for self- and communal care, and knowing when to seek further assistance, we can navigate the path to recovery with resilience and hope.
Offer Your Employees the Help They Need
You can provide your employees with mental health options through your company’s
workers’ compensation insurance. AmTrust Financial’s expert insurance agents are accustomed to guiding business owners toward a workers’ comp package with mental health coverage tailored to the organization’s needs.
Contact us to learn more about our workers’ comp insurance coverage.