Well. It’s easy to say that 2020 was not necessarily the year we had all expected. We have written write a separate blog shortly on exactly what happened here at Thrive, and reflecting on the year, but we also think that 2020 has had a massive impact on employee wellbeing, both good and bad.
The Impact of Lockdown
Lockdown, the tier system, and the working from home orders, have all had a considerable impact on employee wellbeing. The uncertainty about the future, the inconsistency of the rules, and the lack of social contact has really meant that there’s been a huge hit on everyone’s positivity, optimism and mental wellbeing.
But, equally, working from home and lockdown has provided some people with a real opportunity to reflect and reassess what is important to them. It’s also provided people with time; where they used to travel back and forth from work, they perhaps have that time to use to engage in self-care. Where they used to feel they were perhaps missing valuable family time, they could now log off and immediately see their children.
So there’s two sides to the coin, like most issues. It really depends on individual circumstances as to whether the impact of lockdown has been positive or negative for mental health.
Grief and Loss
The sad reality is that how people have grieved the loss of a loved one is changing due to the pandemic. Not only are family members tragically lost to the virus itself, but the sad fact is that people continue to die of conditions or situations quite apart from Covid-19. As social distancing is in place, we cannot grieve in the usual way with friends and family.
Going into 2021, employers need to be particularly considerate of delayed grief. Some people might not have any emotional or physical ramifications for some time after the bereavement. This means that they may require support weeks or even months after the death of a loved one.
We have posted a separate blog on grief during the lockdown, and about why we believe statutory bereavement pay should be introduced.
Unity, Solidarity and Gratitude
One thing which has really been notable and wonderful, is the sense of unity which the pandemic has given rise to. We can all remember clapping for the NHS earlier this year, and there is still a sense that we’re all “getting through this year” together. Hopefully, that is something which can be held onto.
For the first time in a long time we have seen a real sense of community spirit.
Looking forward…
Going into 2021, it really is a huge opportunity for employers to continue to support their employees. Continue to think about what you have learnt. It may be a really good opportunity to invite employees to participate in your reflection; what did you do well? What would they like to see more of or less of next year?
Thrive Wellbeing…
During lockdown 1.0 we created our own wellbeing programme Do you know what to do when it comes to your employee’s mental health?
Do you have high rates of sick absences? Do you struggle to keep employee’s wellbeing at the top of your agenda?
What if you could reduce the number of sick absences you have? what if you could increase your employees productively at work? The most successful businesses are those that invest in their people and put their employee’s wellbeing at the top of their agenda. Your people are the drivers of your business, looking after their mental wellbeing will only benefit your business in the long run.
Thrive has created a Wellbeing programme for businesses to better understand their employee’s wellbeing and by having this knowledge you will reap the rewards.
Do you fancy a sneak peek? Book a FREE TRIAL today by emailing Jodie.hill@thrivelaw.co.uk
