Overview
The COVID-19 pandemic, and the uncertainties around it, have taken a toll on everyone's mental health to varying degrees. This has seen an increase in many experiencing poor mental health in the workplace. Worries about job security, returning to the workplace from furlough or otherwise, travelling on public transport, long term home working, juggling childcare and care for vulnerable relatives, are all sources of anxiety and stress.
For HR managers, this period of uncertainty has possibly been the most challenging period of their careers, and is predicted to result in a huge cultural shift for many businesses as employers and their staff continue to navigate this "new" way of working.
Employers are having to contend with significantly higher levels of stress, anxiety and even depression among their workers, leading to sickness absences, poor performance and a generally less happy and productive workforce. Managing an employee who has suffered, or is suffering, from poor mental health requires a delicate, personal approach and there are considerable risks involved if care is not taken.
With a particular focus on stress and anxiety, this webinar will explore the practical and proactive steps employers can take to manage and support employees' mental health in their workplace (wherever that may be).
Agenda
- Current legal position regarding return to work and working from home, and key risks around health & safety and employment law
- Key actions an employer should take to mitigate the risk of harm to mental health before issues arise in the first place
- How to deal with tricky issues, ranging from dealing with a stressed employee's poor performance or conduct or refusal to return to the office, to making reasonable adjustments when considering them for redundancy
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.