From working from home to virtual teamwork, the Covid-19 pandemic caused sudden changes in work organization that affected workers through social distancing, stress, and — at times — even unemployment.
It has imposed the need to digitize work, and forced a focus on the quality of life and health of employees.
Prior to the pandemic, companies dealt with employee mental health on an individual basis.
Today, the truth is that they must do so if they want to retain happy, motivated, and productive employees.
Mental health issues can be triggered or aggravated by stressful or unsupportive work situations, and can be highly costly to businesses.
Alternatively, positive and supportive workplace policies can improve employees’ physical and psychological wellness, company morale, and the financial bottomline.
According to the American Psychological Association’s 2021 Work and Wellbeing Survey, people who are tense or stressed at work are more than three times likely to say they plan to look for another job.
In contrast, employees who feel supported are more likely to stay, lowering turnover costs.
Fostering a positive work environment and making mental health resources available can also help attract top talent — especially important during the current labor shortage.
In an exclusive interview with TRENDS, Khaled Almaeena, Managing Partner at Quartz Communications, said the pandemic has significantly influenced people’s health and mental wellbeing worldwide, including in the Gulf region.
It impacted people of all ages and walks of life, and has also altered the workplace of the future, and for some has had severe negative effects, he said.
“As more people were affected by Covid-19, whether through illness or losing a loved one, several companies modified their policies to offer help and advice,” added Almaeena.
“Many others began to show more empathy toward their employees, especially the expatriates who most of them had to depart.”
Almaeena stated that his company is currently offering free counseling and wellness programs to employees who require them.
“There is a specially appointed counselor for that purpose,” he explained.
New working styles
Managers and supervisors who work directly with employees are key to implementing and sustaining policies and procedures and creating a generally supportive environment.
Teaching supervisors how to support employees and recognize the signs of stress and mental health issues helps reduce turnover and absenteeism.
Changing to a new work environment that fits the employee will also have a positive impact on the employee work and lifestyle.
“Tomorrow’s workplace will be highly informal and flexible,” said Almaeena.
Working from home changed work definitions, lowered costs, and provided employees more time with their families. It also emphasized self-discipline and control.
“I feel that in many industries, working from home is the way of the future and a better working and mental lifestyle,” Almaeena said.