As the world emerges from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial for employers and paymasters to recognise the paramount importance of maintaining good mental health among their employees. The pandemic left no aspect of our lives untouched, and the toll it took on mental well-being cannot be underestimated. Now that we find ourselves on the path to normalcy, businesses have a unique opportunity to cultivate a resilient and thriving workforce by prioritising the mental health of their employees.

Prioritising mental health is important. (Unsplash)

COVID-19 not only resulted in significant loss of life and disruptions to economies but also had profound effects on the mental health of individuals worldwide. Prolonged uncertainty, social isolation, fear, and anxiety have left lasting imprints on the minds of employees. Even as the world returns to normalcy, many continue to grapple with stress and psychological challenges stemming from the pandemic.

The pandemic acted as a catalyst, intensifying pre-existing mental health issues and triggering new ones in individuals. The shift to remote work, though necessary, brought its own set of challenges. The burden of caregiving responsibilities, homeschooling, and managing household chores added to the emotional toll. Frontline workers witnessed immense suffering and risked their lives daily, leading to trauma and emotional exhaustion. Furthermore, the stigma surrounding mental health remains a barrier to seeking help. Employees fear judgement and repercussions, leading them to suffer in silence.

Employers play a vital role in supporting their workforce’s well-being. By fostering a supportive work environment, promoting work-life balance, and providing access to mental health resources, employers can help alleviate the burden on employees. The pandemic has shown that investing in mental health is not only compassionate but also a strategic decision for organisations. Prioritising employee mental well-being leads to a more resilient, engaged, and productive workforce. By acknowledging the importance of mental health and providing the necessary support, employers can contribute positively to their employees’ recovery and overall success.

A mentally healthy workforce is more engaged, productive, and resilient. Conversely, neglecting employees’ mental well-being can lead to reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, higher turnover rates, and a decline in workplace morale. Therefore, it is necessary to undertake some of the following steps such as –

1. Fostering a supportive work culture and creating a work environment that values mental health is the first step toward cultivating a resilient workforce. Employers must encourage open dialogue about mental health and destigmatise seeking help or taking mental health days. Training managers to recognise signs of distress and providing resources for support can make a significant difference.

2. The pandemic has also shown that flexible work arrangements, such as remote work and flexible hours, can be both effective and beneficial for employees. Such arrangements empower employees to strike a healthier work-life balance and reduce the stress associated with rigid schedules. Encouraging a healthy work-life balance demonstrates a commitment to employees’ well-being. Set clear boundaries for working hours and promote leisure activities, social connections, and self-care to help employees recharge and stay mentally fit.

3. Offering mental health training and workshops can be another way through which employers and organisations can help employees better understand and manage their own mental well-being, as well as support their colleagues in times of need. Knowledge about mental health can help reduce stigma and create a more empathetic work environment.

4. Identifying and addressing workplace stressors that contribute to employee burnout and anxiety can be another significant step toward the mental well-being of the workforce. Regularly assess workloads, set realistic goals, and encourage open communication to prevent overwhelming employees with undue pressure. Through employee surveys and feedback mechanisms such as conducting regular employee surveys to gauge their satisfaction and mental well-being. Also by providing anonymous channels for employees to express concerns and feedback related to mental health support and initiatives. The feedback received must be acted upon proactively to continuously improve and adapt mental health programmes.

5. Collaborating with mental health experts and organisations to gain insights into best practises and evidence-based strategies for supporting employee mental health can be a productive step as partnering with experts can ensure that the initiatives implemented are effective and aligned with industry standards.

6. Allocation of adequate resources and budget to support mental health programmes and initiatives is necessary to ensure the effective implementation of best practises and evidence-based strategies. Employers should consider mental health as a long-term investment rather than a short-term cost, as the positive outcomes will contribute to the organisation’s success and sustainability.

While implementing all of the aforementioned steps it should be kept in mind that inclusive and diverse mental health support is necessary. Employers must recognise that mental health challenges can vary across employees due to diverse backgrounds and experiences. Inclusive and culturally sensitive mental health support must be offered to cater to the needs of all employees, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding.

As the world rebounds from the challenges of COVID-19 and embraces a semblance of normalcy, employers and paymasters must not overlook the profound impact the pandemic has had on their employees’ mental health. Prioritising mental well-being should be at the forefront of any organisation’s strategy to build a resilient and thriving workforce. By fostering a supportive work culture, implementing flexible arrangements, providing resources like promoting work-life balance, offering mental health training, and reducing workplace stressors, businesses can take a proactive approach to safeguarding the mental health of their most valuable asset – their employees. Only by recognising and addressing the importance of mental health post-COVID can employers pave the way for a brighter and more productive future for both individuals and the organisations they serve.

This article is authored by Ananya Raj Kakoti and Gunwant Singh, scholars of international relations, Jawaharlal Nehru University.

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Organizers estimate that about 100 parents attended the spring session of “Parent University” at Oak Park-River Forest High School, a community-welcome event that offered guidance on navigating mental health issues and topics post-COVID 19

Parent University, offered free of charge during the fall and spring, returned to its in-person format April 19 after being virtual since the start of the pandemic.

The three-hour informational that Wednesday night was the first in-person session since November 2019. The focus on mental health was apparent at this session.

“I wish every school district, every community could do this,” said River Forest Township Supervisor Carla Sloan, of River Forest. “So many parents are struggling, so many kids are struggling, and even if you’re not struggling, you still want to create a sense of well-being in your home and I think people are searching for ways to do that.”

She added: “If we can help with that a little bit, as a school district, and as a community, as a township, as a mental health board, I think it’s our role to do so. We just think that it’s essential.”

Though Parent University was a collaboration of River Forest Township, Oak Park Township, Oak Park and River Forest School District 200, Oak Park Elementary School District 97 and River Forest School District 90, the event was open to the community — even other nearby municipalities.

Also featured were the Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township, Positive Youth Development (a township agency), Oak Park Public Library, Thrive Counseling Center of Oak Park and the Metro Suburban chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Doug Bolton, a licensed clinical psychologist, was the keynote speaker, talking on “Self-Regulation and Resilience: Supporting Our Children in Their Hardest Moments” at the “Parent University” event held at Oak Park-River Forest High School April 19, 2023 in Oak Park. (Karie Angell Luc / Pioneer Press)

Mental health post-pandemic was the focus of the “Parent University” event held at Oak Park-River Forest High School April 19, 2023 in Oak Park. (Karie Angell Luc / Pioneer Press)

Mental health post-pandemic was the focus of the “Parent University” event held at Oak Park-River Forest High School April 19, 2023 in Oak Park. (Karie Angell Luc / Pioneer Press)

Families from the towns of Oak Park and River Forest, as well as others nearby, attended the “Parent University” event held at Oak Park-River Forest High School April 19, 2023 in Oak Park. In addition to information tables and a keynote speaker, refreshments were served. (Karie Angell Luc / Pioneer Press)

“We have a great partnership with OPRF. We love supporting OPRF students and their families and staff,” said Andrea O’Morrow, education manager for NAMI in Oak Park.

NAMI offers, “a number of free services,” which are accessible because the pandemic “brought a lot of things to the surface,” O’Morrow said. “We’re seeing concerns that were already there … [the pandemic] brought a lot of things to visibility.

“We are seeing that teens are reaching out a lot more than they have in the past,” O’Morrow said. “I think that’s the result of education, I think that’s the result of people breaking stigma. Teens feel more empowered.”

At the Oak Park Public Library, “We get upwards of 100 students on a daily basis at the library,” said , who is known as “Mr. G” to many teen library patrons.

Alexander Gutierrez, teen services librarian at Oak Park Public Library, said after the pandemic, a lot of the students are feeling very isolated and secluded.

“Us, at the library, being that safe, social environment for them is really, really beneficial,” Gutierrez said.

Amanda Lopez, community education and engagement coordinator of Thrive Counseling Center, engaged with attendees to let “parents know what resources are available,” Lopez said.

The Parent University program began with keynote speaker and licensed clinical psychologist Doug Bolton, of Evanston, who spoke on, “Self-Regulation and Resilience: Supporting Our Children in Their Hardest Moments.”

Bolton explained he served more than 20 years in roles of psychologist and principal at North Shore Academy, a K-12 therapeutic school in Highland Park.

“Any time you can connect what’s happening in schools with parents, and create and share similar learning, and be partnering together, I think good things are happening,” he told Pioneer Press. “Just the fact that I could be a part of this was wonderful.”

Parent Kelly O’Keefe, of River Forest, was in the audience for Bolton’s keynote and reported being “so excited” to come and hear him speak at the event.

“Even though my kids aren’t in high school yet, everything that he’s talking about, as far as helping our kids be regulated, is important for all kids,” O’Keefe said.

Other sessions at the event included, “I Will Survive: How to Help Your Teen Through a Breakup and “Keep Calm and Carry On: Managing Expectations and Your Own Stress to Help De-escalate Your Child.”

“I think most of us tend to focus on academics, right, and not the mental health or social aspects [of] “our children, so I thought this was actually a pretty good way to kind of start that,” said Wavyne Belance, a parent.

Parents expressed gratitude for the information they received.

“I’m very thankful for people who come in and kind of share their time, and giving their expertise and trying to help parents cope. I’m very grateful,” said parent Monet Pasquier.

Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer.

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