Tag: Mental Health Tips

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Ways To Say “No” To Friends

Setting boundaries with friends is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships and prioritizing your well-being. Here are four assertive ways to decline requests from friends while preserving your boundaries:

1. Be Clear And Direct

Communicate your boundaries clearly and honestly. For example, if you can’t lend money, say, “I’m currently unable to lend money due to financial constraints.”

2. Offer Alternatives

While you may not be able to fulfill their request, suggest alternatives or other resources. Say, “I can’t do this, but I can help you find someone else who can.”

3. Firmly Assert Your Boundaries

Politely decline while reaffirming your existing commitments or limitations. For instance, “Due to my current workload, I’m unable to take on additional tasks.”

4. Express Gratitude

Thank your friend for considering you, even if you can’t meet their request. For example, you can say “Thank you for thinking of me, but I need to prioritize my own responsibilities right now.”

Setting boundaries with friends is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships and prioritizing your well-being.

Remember, setting boundaries is about self-care, not rejection. By communicating assertively, you can strengthen your relationships while honoring your own needs.

If you’re looking to enhance your assertiveness, build better boundaries, and improve your communication abilities, book a session with a MindNation psychologist. Our experts offer personalized guidance to help you navigate challenging situations confidently. Download the MindNation app today to book your session and improve your communication skills.

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Featured

5 Christmas Journal Prompts For Self-Reflection

It’s Christmas! And amidst the festive decorations and twinkling lights, there’s an opportunity for something truly special—self-reflection. Engaging in reflective practices not only deepens your connection to the magic of Christmas but also offers a myriad of benefits for your well-being. Here are some Christmas Day journaling prompts that can help you discover how you really feel about the holiday season.

Prompt 1: What’s the best Christmas gift you ever received?

Unwrapping memories of cherished gifts can transport you back to moments of pure joy. Whether it’s a childhood present or a recent surprise, reflecting on these gifts helps you reconnect with the magic of Christmas and appreciate the love that surrounds you.

Prompt 2: Who is involved in your favorite Christmas memories? Are you still connected with them?

Christmas is a time for togetherness, and this prompt encourages you to reflect on the people who have played a significant role in your holiday memories. Reconnecting with loved ones, even if it’s just in your thoughts, can bring warmth and a sense of belonging.

Prompt 3: What emotions does Christmas Day bring up for you?

The holiday season can evoke a range of emotions, from excitement to nostalgia. Reflecting on your feelings allows you to navigate the complex landscape of emotions, promoting emotional intelligence and self-awareness.

Engaging in reflective practices not only deepens your connection to the magic of Christmas but also offers a myriad of benefits for your well-being.

Prompt 4: What parts of the holidays do you enjoy? What do you not enjoy? Why?

Examining your favorite holiday traditions and acknowledging the aspects you may not enjoy allows you to tailor your celebrations to align with what brings you genuine happiness, fostering a more meaningful and joyful experience.

Prompt 5: Describe what Christmas means to you.

Articulating the personal significance of Christmas helps you define its meaning in your life. Whether it’s about love, gratitude, or spiritual connection, understanding your unique perspective enhances your appreciation for the season.

This Christmas, gift yourself the time for self-reflection. As you explore the prompts, remember that MindNation mental health experts are here to support whatever you may be feeling. If you ever feel the need to share your thoughts or emotions, book a session with our psychologists and WellBeing Coaches through the MindNation app (mindnation.com/app).

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Featured

5 Non-Material Christmas Gift Ideas

The holiday season is synonymous with gift-giving, but this year, consider spreading joy with presents that go beyond material possessions. Here are five thoughtful gift ideas that emphasize connection and well-being:

1. Low-maintenance Plants

A touch of greenery can make a significant difference in one’s living space. Low-maintenance plants like succulents or snake plants symbolize growth, bring a connection to nature, and even purify the air. Besides their aesthetic appeal, these plants contribute to stress reduction, making them a perfect gift for someone who could use a bit of peace and calm.

2. Donation To A Charity

Select a cause that aligns with their values and passions. Whether it’s supporting education, healthcare, or environmental initiatives, this gift not only benefits the chosen cause but also brings a sense of fulfillment and joy to the recipient.

3. Skill Development Course

Invest in your loved one’s growth by gifting them an online course. It shows that you value their journey of continuous learning. Platforms like Udemy or Coursera offer a wide range of courses, allowing you to tailor the gift to their specific interests.

4. Streaming Service Subscription For Films/TV Shows

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In the era of on-demand entertainment, a subscription to a streaming service can be a delightful present. Whether they’re into movies, TV shows, or documentaries, this gift provides a convenient way to unwind, relax, and enjoy moments of joy, especially during the holiday season.

5. Teletherapy Sessions With Mental Health Experts

Prioritize mental well-being by gifting teletherapy sessions with mental health experts like psychologists and WellBeing Coaches. In a world that often moves at a hectic pace, providing the opportunity for self-reflection and professional guidance can be a valuable and considerate present.

MindNation mental health experts are available 24/7/365 if your loved one wants to get started on the road to a Better Mind, Better You. To purchase sessions, simply email [email protected].

This Christmas, consider the impact of your gifts on the well-being and personal growth of your loved ones. By focusing on connection and experiences, you can create lasting memories and contribute to a more meaningful holiday celebration.

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Employee Wellness How To Mental Health 101 Self Help

The Weight of Waiting:  Anticipatory Stress And 5 Effective Ways To Overcome It

Are you consumed by heightened anxiety while waiting for a future event such as a work presentation, an exam, or a first-time plane ride? You might be experiencing anticipatory stress or “pre-event” stress. This happens when dread builds up and you stress out ahead of time, leading you to experience extra stress. This unhealthy amount of worrying can leave you restless, trapped, and mentally depleted.

How Is Anticipatory Stress Different From Other Forms Of Stress?

Stress, anxiety, and anticipatory stress are related but distinct experiences. Stress is the body’s physical response to current external pressures or demands, such as managing a heavy workload or dealing with a difficult colleague. Anxiety, on the other hand, refers to the general state of unease and intense worrying about things that may be absent and without clear triggers. Anticipatory stress is related to anxiety, but what sets it apart is a specific trigger: an uncertain future outcome.

In contrast with other forms of stress, anticipatory stress, on the other hand, is based on perceptions and expectations rather than the actual situation itself. It often stems from uncertainty, lack of confidence and control, and fear of the unknown. Moreover, this form of stress can  be prolonged if the waiting period takes longer.

In contrast with other forms of stress, anticipatory stress, on the other hand, is based on perceptions and expectations rather than the actual situation itself.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Anticipatory Stress?

  • Feeling tense and on edge
  • Racing thoughts
  • Increased heart rate and breathing difficulties
  • Sleep problems
  • Upset stomach, diarrhea, and frequent urination
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty in concentration
  • Anticipating the worst
  • Unhealthy behaviors such as stress eating, drinking, avoidance, and procrastination
  • Low levels of self-esteem and confidence

How Can You Cope With Anticipatory Stress?

While worrying is normal, people with greater tendency to be a worrier or to overthink things may be more prone to anticipatory stress. Fortunately, there are many strategies that can help you cope with anticipatory stress and prevent it from taking over your life.

  1. Challenge and reframe your thoughts. Anticipatory stress is often based on negative or irrational thoughts, such as “I’m going to fail” or “Everyone will judge me.” Challenge these thoughts by acknowledging that the event you dread may not play out as negatively as you imagine. You may try to create facts or action steps to counter the negative thoughts. Remember the ratio 1:5. Pair 1 negative thought with 5 healthy or positive thoughts and facts about the situation.
  2. Preparing and planning ahead as much as possible may reduce anticipatory stress. You can do this by rehearsing the situation, visualizing positive outcomes, or making a checklist to help you feel more in control.
  3. Ground yourself by focusing your attention on what you can control in your day-to-day activities. You can also do this by reflecting on your routine prior to the event that causes anticipatory stress
  4. Be compassionate to yourself. Positive affirmations can help to establish strength of character. Recognize the things that you have successfully completed despite facing anticipatory stress. Remind yourself that you can take one step at a time.
  5. Seek help from a trusted friend or family member to manage and release anticipatory stress and develop effective coping strategies.

If talking to a friend doesn’t work, help can also come from a MindNation WellBeing Coach or Psychologist. They can help you manage your stress, anxiety so that you can live your best life today without constantly worrying about tomorrow. Book a session now by downloading the MindNation app at mindnation.com/app.

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Employee Wellness Featured Mental Health 101 Self Help Work in the New Normal

#HavenForHer: How Home Credit Promotes Women’s Safety And Wellbeing In The Workplace

Women’s presence makes the workplace more meaningful. But do organizations create an equally nurturing environment where they can flourish? Companies should cultivate psychologically safe spaces for female employees. And that’s what Home Credit Philippines and its Chief People Officer, Alpha Omega Aquino, are doing.

Alpha was one of the many Filipinas who struggled with work-life balance when she worked abroad. Apart from long, stressful work hours, she had to be absent from important family events, felt isolated, and was constantly on the verge of burnout. Working as a woman in a non-Catholic country and male-dominated industry was challenging due to her gender. These negative experiences led to frustration and anger, feelings of inadequacy, and even depression. 

After 15 years of working overseas, Alpha decided to go back home and eventually found her way to Home Credit in 2019. 

 Home Credit provides world-class financial inclusion, lending, and other similar services to customers, mostly first-time borrowers. They take pride in being a financial ally that develops and delivers innovative financial services for financing purchases, for their clients to save for the future, and for businesses to develop closer relationships with their customers. As the company’s current Chief People Officer for four years now, Alpha takes care of over 14,000 employees, ensuring that their physical, mental, social and financial needs are met. She especially strives to make sure that the women of Home Credit won’t have to experience what she has gone through. 

Creating a #HavenForHer: What Companies Can Do To Promote Women’s Safety And Wellbeing In The Workplace

Home Credit and Alpha are at the forefront of ensuring that Home Credit’s employees, especially women, work in a safe space where they won’t have to feel excluded, stressed, and mentally depleted. “Twice a year we have our eNPS survey, [in] which more than 85% of our employees participate. It’s a very good data point for us to improve the services we provide for our employees,” Alpha tells MindNation. This way, Home Credit can stay on top of employee wellbeing, maintain their job satisfaction, and foster engagement. The data that they gather also informs how Home Credit can address their concerns, create positive mental health outcomes, reduce stress and anxiety, and help employees at risk for mental health issues by providing them with psychosocial support and resources.

Home Credit is also committed to promoting gender equality in the workplace by providing equal pay and opportunities for women to advance in their careers. They also offer hybrid work arrangements and wellness leaves to support work-life balance. In addition, they foster a culture of respect and inclusion by addressing and preventing harassment and discrimination of women and promoting diversity and inclusion.

Home Credit is also committed to promoting gender equality in the workplace by providing equal pay and opportunities for women to advance in their careers.

Supporting Companies In Creating A Gender-Inclusive Workplace Culture

The commitment of Home Credit and Alpha to building a work culture that prioritizes health and wellbeing has earned them Workbean’s Workplace Health Advocate of the Year Award. last March 2023. Read all about it here. With the initiatives mentioned, Home Credit and Alpha successfully created a positive, respectful, and supportive workplace culture that every woman can describe as a #HavenForHer.

MindNation is also committed to supporting companies in creating a gender-inclusive workplace culture that prioritizes employee wellbeing. With the help of our mental health professionals, we can guide you in building a culture of empathy and mutual support that employees will find healthy, fulfilling, and meaningful. For more information, email us at [email protected].

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Employee Wellness Featured

Promoting Holistic Wellbeing In The Workplace

MindNation is running a series of articles about how the finalists for the Workbean Employer Brand Awards are building exemplary work cultures and making health and wellbeing a true organizational priority. 

Winners will be announced on March 2, 2023.

MindNation is the official judging partner for the Workplace Health Advocate Award.

Tala is a global technology company building the world’s most accessible financial services.

MindNation: In what ways is the company’s leadership team prioritizing mental health, and how is it incorporated into the overall business strategy?

TALA: Tala promotes psychological or mental wellbeing and safety in the workplace. Talazens are empowered to speak up with ideas, questions, and concerns. Well-being is also one of the key areas that the management checks every year during our quarterly pulse survey, indicating that Tala is very much aware and concerned about the mental health of our team members, which is also aligned with our overall business strategy and performance.

Talazens have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that can help them deal with the issues that somehow diverted their performance. We’ve also utilized our wellbeing and health insurance providers to create a robust annual wellness plan comprised of fitness sessions, webinars, kamustahans, and weekly boosts. In addition to this, Tala has implemented a global company holiday called “Sloth Day ” where Talazens are encouraged to disconnect, unwind, and recharge (on top of their planned leaves and paid time off), and enjoy a relaxing weekend. We also encourage our Talazens to take regular time off when they are able to unplug from work and don’t expect to answer emails or sSack messages until they get back to work.

Global working norms were implemented during the pandemic and are being practiced to this day to help with burnout, increase our effectiveness as a global organization, and prevent work from affecting our personal lives. This includes but are not limited to turning off Slack notifications when not working, not booking any meetings on a late Friday afternoon to prepare for the weekend, and not messaging your colleagues on their time offs or weekends.

Talazens have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that can help them deal with the issues that somehow diverted their performance. We’ve also utilized our wellbeing and health insurance providers to create a robust annual wellness plan comprised of fitness sessions, webinars, kamustahans, and weekly boosts.

Meeting Free Week for the last week of December (during the December holidays) was also implemented globally for our team members to unplug so that they’re able to  enjoy a relaxing week of zero meetings.

MindNation: How does Tala promote a culture of open communication and support for employees experiencing mental health issues?

TALA: Tala promotes good mental health to help create a holistic working environment that increases Talazens’ productivity and keeps them engaged at work. We’ve built a culture of connection and feedback through regular 1:1s, group huddles, kamustahans, and office hours where everyone can ask questions and open up. We advocate a good work-life balance and make wellbeing one of the top priorities at Tala. We have a weekly reminder on the Employee Assistance Program wherein they can always reach out to our mental health provider if they’re experiencing any well-being issues or concerns. With our mental health policy in place, we’re also able to communicate and raise awareness among our team members to stay mentally healthy, and not be afraid to raise concerns related to depression, anxiety, stress, burnout, and other mental health issues. We emphasize that Talazens health matters to us.

MindNation is committed to supporting companies in creating a workplace culture that prioritizes the mental and emotional well-being of their employees. With the help of our team of experienced mental health professionals, we can guide you in building a culture of empathy, inclusivity, and mutual support that can help you create a workplace culture that is not only healthy but also fulfilling and meaningful. For more information, email us at [email protected]. 

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Featured Mental Health 101

Hello, D.E.A.R: A Communication Technique For Setting Boundaries

We know how important setting boundaries are to our mental health and well-being. However, it can be hard to communicate these boundaries or call out those who cross them. We fear that insisting on setting boundaries may make us seem difficult, unfriendly, or even troublesome.

Fortunately, the D.E.A.R conversation technique – developed by Dialectical Behaviour Therapist Dr Marsha Linehan in the 1990s – can be used to effectively remind people about your need for setting boundaries without hurting their feelings. MindNation psychologist Maria Teresa Empleo explains below:

D is for DESCRIBE

“Describe the situation where your boundaries were crossed, sticking to facts and neutral terms,” says Maria. This means when someone oversteps your physical boundaries for example, you say something like “I notice that you like to hug me when you see me in the morning” instead of inserting an opinion such as “You’re so inconsiderate of my personal space.” Try to give the other person the benefit of the doubt; they may be wholly unaware of your boundaries.

E is for EXPRESS

When people upset your boundaries, stick to “I” statements when calling them out. An example would be “I feel uncomfortable when you do this” or “I don’t feel happy when you do that.” Do not label, i.e. “Calling me after office hours is so rude” or question the other person’s intentions, i.e. “You keep interrupting me during work, do you want me to lose my job?” “These will only hurt the person or make them defensive, and you will lose any chance of an amicable resolution,” reminds Maria.

When people upset your boundaries, stick to “I” statements when calling them out.

MindNation psychologist Maria Teresa Empleo

A is for ASSERT

“Specifically tell them what you want to happen in the future, such as ‘I would appreciate it if you would greet me in the morning with a high-five instead of a hug,’” suggests Maria.  “Or ‘I prefer that you send work-related messages between 8AM to 5PM only.’ Do not hem and haw, say “Maybe” or “Sorry,” or be vague, as in “I’m sorry, but maybe you could do something else to greet me in the morning?” This can lead to confusion, give the impression that your boundaries are negotiable, and encourage new expectations and demands among those around you.

R is for REINFORCE

“End the conversation on a gracious note,” Maria says. Statements like “I appreciate you hearing me out,” or “Thank you for respecting my boundaries,” will soothe any feelings that may have been hurt or offended and increase the chances of an amicable resolution. 

If despite your best efforts you find it is difficult to set boundaries with someone, you have two choices:

  • Limit contact by physically avoiding the other person or asking someone else to run interference for you. “But in cases of sexual harasment or physical abuse, you have every right to report the threatening behavior to the authorities right away,” Maria cautions.
  • Go no-contact. This can be asking to be transferred to another team or leaving the company altogether, unfriending/unfollowing the person on social media, or going as far as to tell friends and family that you want to minimize contact with the person.

When you are firm in communicating and setting your boundaries, you show that you value yourself, your needs, and your feelings more than the thoughts and opinions of others.

Book the MindNation Self-Love Pack© to get THREE 1-hour consultations with a psychologist who can help you with setting boundaries, living intentionally, and having better relationships with the ones who matter. This plan is available for free when your organization avails of the CareNow Plan© for teams. Visit www.mindnation.com to learn more.

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Self Help

6 Ways To A Successful Digital Detox

A digital detox refers to a period of time when you refrain from using digital devices such as smartphones, televisions, computers, and social media sites.

Some reasons you may need a digital detox:

  • Checking your social media accounts is the first thing you do when you have nothing to do
  • You are constantly missing sleep to stay on your devices
  • You are fixated with the like, comment, or share counts on your social media posts

A digital detox does not mean you have to give up social media and Netflix for the rest of your life. Rather, it is about taking steps to become more more mindful of gadget usage so that you reduce dependency and improve your physical, mental, and even social well-being. By going on a digital detox, you can focus on real-life social interactions without distractions, let go of the stress that comes from constant connectivity, and improve your physical health. 

Dinah Salonga, a mindfulness facilitato, wellness advocate, and co-founder of YogaPlus Inc, Manila’s premiere yoga studio, shares some ways you can successfully achieve a digital detox. 

  1.  Recognize when your digital use is becoming excessive.
    “The first step to doing a digital detox is acknowledging that there is a problem,” Dinah suggests. Are your loved ones complaining that you are spending too much time online? Are the number of likes in your posts affecting your mood for the day? Is your work suffering because you are tired from staying up all night binge-watching? “These are signs that you are becoming addicted to digital devices,” she advises.
  1. Set limits. If you cannot completely disconnect (i.e. your work requires you to be on social media), set boundaries. “For example, allot only one hour a day to work on your posts or engage with your followers. Set the phone aside during mealtimes or when you are spending time with loved ones. Stop watching the tv series when it’s 30 minutes before bedtime,” Dinah suggests.   
  1. Hack the hormones. “The happiness chemical dopamine is released by our brain whenever we come across something new and pleasurable,” Dinah explains. “When we see people liking our posts on social media, discover a new, entertaining show on a streaming app, or beat our previous record in a video game, we get a dopamine rush and keep wanting more, leading to a digital dependency.”

The key to an effective digital detox, therefore, is to replace time spent on digital devices with another activity that will give the same dopamine high but is not as harmful.

Dinah Salonga, Co-founder of YogaPlus Inc

The key to an effective digital detox, therefore, is to replace time spent on digital devices with another activity that will give the same dopamine high but is not as harmful. “Anything that will give you a sense of accomplishment – such as crafting, working on a puzzle, learning a new language, or exercising – will also cause your brain to light up without any negative consequences to your health and well-being,” Dinah says.

  1. Change the pattern. Is your smartphone the first thing you pick up when you are bored? Do you decompress after a long day at work by binge-watching the latest series? If digital devices have become ingrained in your day to day behavior, try to introduce new habits to break the pattern. If you are bored, go for a walk; if you are stressed, meditate.
  2. Listen to your body’s signals. Don’t ignore warning signs that you are spending too much time on your devices, such as an aching back, blurry vision, or fatigue.  These are your body’s way of telling you that you need to take a break.
  3. Seek help. You do not have to go through a digital detox alone. Ask a friend or family member to act as an accountability partner. “Choose someone who will tell you to go to sleep when they see you chatting past your bedtime, or even be willing to take your phone away if you have been spending too much time on social media,” Dinah advises.

Help can also be in the form of a MindNation WellBeing Coach who can teach you techniques to form healthier habits; an initial 1-hour session costs only P500. Book a session now by emailing [email protected]. 

Doing a digital detox is challenging because smartphones and apps have become an integral part of our daily lives. Hopefully the tips above can help you reduce – if not eliminate – your dependency on these technologies and free yourself to spend more time and energy on the things that matter. 

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Work in the New Normal

Workplace Trends for 2022: 4 Things Every Business Leader Should Know

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Make 2022 your organization’s Year Of WellBeing. Visit www.mindnation.com now. 

If 2021 was about learning to live and work during a pandemic, 2022 will be about applying all the lessons learned this past year. What will the future of work look like? Business coach and consultant Grace De Castro of V+A Consulting, a boutique consulting firm with expertise in customized people programs and creative business solutions, shares her predictions:

  1. The hybrid mode of work will be the new normal — and not everyone is going to be treated fairly. “Sadly, there are still many leaders who equate ‘presence with performance,’” Grace says. “This means that those who choose to go to work onsite will be considered more productive and valuable than those who remain or prioritize working from home.”

    What this means for companies: Leaders must ensure that all team members — regardless of where they are working from — are regarded equally and treated fairly especially in terms of promotions and pay raises. Not doing so will cause discontent among team members. “Leaders must also change the prevailing mindset about what it means to be productive, and create avenues for more collaboration between employees,” Grace advises.
  2. Organizations will fight to attract and retain existing talent. “I know of quite a number of senior executives and managers in the Philippines who decided to take their families and just move — whether it’s to outside the city for a quieter provincial life, or even out of the country. This migration is the most I’ve seen since I started working 25 years ago,” Grace relates. 

Their reason for moving? “The past two years have made many pause and rethink their priorities,” she explains. “They either realized that they want more time with their family, or that what they are doing now is not what they want to do for the rest of their lives.”

What this means for companies: “There is going to be a lot of creativity around talent attraction and retention,” Grace says. “The fight is no longer against other companies, it’s now about whether your employee is finding purpose in their current role or if the current work schedule supports their desire for work-life balance.” 

  1. Employee health and safety will continue to be a top concern. As employees return to work, many will be struggling with fears and anxieties over their safety and adjusting to new procedures and protocols. This post outlines the things managers can do to make the transition easier and assure team members that the workplace will be a safe space for them, physically and mentally.

What this means for companies: Adhering to health and safety standards in the new normal requires added expenses, so leaders need to look at where they can cut costs and reallocate the budget. What’s important to you? Is it your bonus, or upgrading the ventilation system? Is it new furniture or investing in an employee well-being program? “Part of being a leader is looking at the situation, spotting the areas of concern, and making the tough calls to address them,” says Grace.

“Part of being a leader is looking at the situation, spotting the areas of concern, and making the tough calls to address them,”

Grace De Castro, Business Coach And Consultant
  1. Mental health and well-being will become very important. “The last two years have really taken a toll upon all of us, and business leaders need to acknowledge that there is no going back to before,” Grace says. “Mental health can no longer be a special event that only gets talked about during Mental Health Month or Suicide Prevention Month. Conversations around mental health need to be normalized; people who are struggling should know where they can seek help and not be ashamed about it.” 

What this means for companies: While it’s understandable that the priority of a company in the new normal is profitability, this cannot be at the expense of the team’s well-being. “You can’t expect people to be delivering multitudes when they’re physically, mentally, and emotionally broken and with no social support,” Grace says. “Treat your employees well, because if you take care of them they will take care of your business. And if your people are at the place where they can deliver, you can have both — profits and a culture that supports mental health and well-being.”

If you need help, partner with MindNation to receive a holistic, data-driven, and customized well-being program for your organization. Visit www.mindnation.com or email [email protected] to know more. 

With many businesses hoping to return to some semblance of normalcy in 2022, it is important to remember that success can only be achieved when all parts of a company are working well together, from the machinery to the people. Workplace well-being should not only be a priority, it must be made mandatory. 

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Featured Work in the New Normal

5 Ways To Ease Employees Back To The Workplace

Photo by Ivan Samkov on Pexels.com

With the MindNation CareNow Plan©, team members have access to 24/7 teletherapy sessions with psychologists and WellBeing Coaches whenever they are feeling stressed and anxious. Visit www.mindnation.com to learn more.

Are you asking your team to report back to their offices? While some employees are excited to go back to the office, others are struggling with varying degrees of anxiety. They may be reluctant to leave their family after being in close proximity with them for more than two years, afraid of leaving the safety of home and catching the COVID-19 virus, or anxious over adjusting to a new work schedule and routine. 

If you are tasked with nudging people to return to work,  business coach and consultant Grace De Castro of V+A Consulting, a boutique consulting firm with expertise in customized people programs and creative business solutions, shares some things you can do to ease their anxieties and make the transition easier: 

  1. Ensure workplace safety. The first and most important thing to do is conduct a review of the physical space to make sure it follows minimum public health standards and safety protocols. Is it well-ventilated? Can social distancing be followed? What is the procedure if someone comes to work with symptoms? And if your employees do get sick with COVID-19, is treatment covered by their medical insurance and how much time will they be given to recover? Then, once these are in place, proceed to #2.
  2. Personally communicate these to your team. “Don’t just hand out memos or shoot out an email,” Grace advises. “Instead, hold a virtual meeting to inform staff about everything that the company is doing to make the site physically safe, and even what the expectations are in terms of schedule and responsibilities.” By adding this personal touch, employees will feel more assured and less anxious.
  3. Bring them back slowly. Having your employees come back all at once will only cause confusion and increase anxiety. Instead, schedule their return in batches to give them the time and space to adjust to the physical workplace and new procedures. Then, once everyone is settled in, don’t forget to do #4. 
  4. Hold frequent one-on-ones or team meetings. “The purpose of these check-ins are two-fold,” says Grace. “The first is to enable those who are anxious and struggling to feel that they are being heard and validated. The second is for you to communicate and reiterate the company’s vision, expectations, and business direction.” This ensures that the entire team is on the same page, and roles and responsibilities are made clear. 
  5. Show them that you are also taking care of yourself. “As a leader, you are probably putting up a brave face and hiding your own fears and anxieties,” Grace points out. “But shielding your emotions will only make your employees feel as if they are the only ones with problems and more alone.” So if you are feeling anxious or stressed, for example, let your team see you taking a mental health break or advise them that you will be talking to a mental health professional. “This will make them see you as human and will further normalize the conversation about mental health and well-being in the workplace,” she adds.

“If you are feeling anxious or stressed, for example, let your team see you taking a mental health break or advise them that you will be talking to a mental health professional.”

Grace De Castro, Business Coach And Consultant

As a manager, it’s important to remember that your team members may be going through something related to the pandemic that you are not aware of. Asking them to return to work should be accompanied with compassion and open conversation.