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I've always been pretty up front about my anxiety, and am lucky to be in a pretty good place atm, but yesterday's announcement got me thinking about #MentalHealth and work and how another 6 months WFH might impact me...
As unions, we're talking a lot about the need for personal risk assessments right now. But I thought now was a good time to do a lil assessment for my anxiety (which peaked when we first locked down).
For me I know the important things are sleep, exercise and getting off my phone (she says, writing from her phone...). They're also the first things that go out the window when I'm in peak-anxiety-mode.
I've had to set some rules and boundaries to make sure I do these things, and have the flexibility to do that. But I think employers can help more generally too.
We're all always on - checking emails, scrolling for updates. We work well in to the night, and that's fine, if it's on your terms. If it's not, employers need to be proactive about supporting you to switch off. Now more than ever - clock your teams working hours and step in.
As the days get shorter, I also think employers can really help by giving people the flexibility to get outside during 'office' hours. Doing a few hours work first thing in exchange for a peek at the sky when it's not pitch black, isn't the worst idea.
There are some great resources available that'll give better examples than I can... (thanks @tweetyposie for this one: https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/toolkit/coronavirus-coping-with-the-challenges-of-working-from-home/)
...but I do think now is a good time to check yourself before you wreck yourself with long hours, in the dark, in isolation at home.
...but I do think now is a good time to check yourself before you wreck yourself with long hours, in the dark, in isolation at home.
