Stress And Depression In The Workplace During COVID-19

 Stress and depression in the workplace are very common. Now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many are being furloughed or are being made to work from home. This, for some, makes life easier, and for others may add to the stress.

Furlough

Stress and depression in the workplace can be transferred home. Furlough may reduce concern for staff around COVID-19, but it would also be a big change. For some, staying at home will be a much-needed break. For others, it may be a huge change of routine and may affect their mental health negatively. For example, many parents have had to be furloughed so that they can look after their children while the schools are closed. It is not just childcare that’s expected of parents, though. There is also the need to home-school. Most parents are not prepared for this. The UK school curriculum is always changing, so it’s understandable that some parents may find teaching difficult. Although not much can be done about the need to home-school, employers can still check in on their employees to make sure that they’re okay during their furlough. 

Working from home

Those who are able to are now working from home. For many, this means having to rearrange the layout of their home to accommodate for a desk and proper office chair, with work computers. This may be a squeeze for some people. Some may find that they struggle to concentrate at home, after all, it is the place that they may associate with relaxation or the hobbies they do in their own time. This can go both ways, and make it difficult for them to relax properly – even more so if they live in a studio flat, so there is no separation from their workspace and their relaxation space. Employers should regularly check in on employees, to make sure that they’re still getting some relaxation time. It is also worth reassuring employees and being understanding if they’re struggling to be as productive as they may have been in the office. Stress and depression in the workplace can become stress and depression at home.

Unable to stay at home

Some people are unable to work from home and have essential jobs working with the public. It’s important that these people are provided with adequate PPE, and all necessary health and safety measures are put in place. It’s important for everybody to feel and be as safe as possible when they go to work.