You should be more concerned about your employees’ wellbeing now than ever…

Global pandemic? Check.

Prolonged social isolation? Check.

Senseless killings? Check.

Protests and social injustice? Check.

Financial crisis with recession looming? Check.

More political divisiveness/tension than ever? Check.

Wildfires, hurricanes, and tornadoes? Check.

Murder hornets? Check. (…seriously?!)

As if the rigors of our everyday lives – work responsibilities, social obligations, and personal commitments – weren’t already enough to handle, the world has seemingly lost its collective mind. And we think it’s safe to assume that your employees (and you) are at least a little if not completely overwhelmed with everything that’s been going on these past few months. So, shall we round out our list with physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion? Check, check, aaand check.

No matter how many well-intentioned statements CEOs and celebrities send out via TV commercials and social-media posts, or how many stress-reducing apps are downloaded, or how many “helpful” video conference calls are attended, the reality is that for many of us, our health is taking a backseat to work (or trying to make ends meet in the absence of work), cooking countless meals, keeping our kids entertained (or at least alive), and trying not to fall into a pit of unending doom and gloom.

As an employer, it’s your duty to look out for the wellbeing of your employees – and right now that’s a bigger challenge than it’s ever been before.

Where to begin?

• Open the conversation. Share ideas with one another – reach out to your employees and encourage them to collaborate and discover strategies for coping and thriving during this time.
• Provide the resources – and continue to provide the resources. Sending out one list of “helpful links” isn’t enough. Make sure you’re providing ongoing support for mental wellbeing, strategies for staying active and engaged through good times and bad, and tips for squeezing a few veggies in between panicked pantry raids.
• Focus on today. With so much going on, it’s difficult to see past our immediate to-do lists. Acknowledge that and know that employees are doing their best!
• Lead by example. Give yourself a break – and make sure your employees know it’s okay for them to do the same. Share how you’re staying healthy (and sane) and reach out to those who seem isolated.
• Be flexible. Figurative plates are extra full right now (and many literal plates are extra empty). Don’t add unnecessary noise (and stress) to your employees’ inboxes. Share helpful information and facilitate real connections, putting their wellbeing first.

Historical times call for historical measures. Your employees need your support more than they ever have. Be the employer who helps them through this time (instead of the one adding to their burden). We wholeheartedly believe it’ll come back better for you in the long run, because healthy and happy employees are the best (and typically the most loyal) kind of employees.

(And hey – give yourself a break too. Because a healthy/happy/strong leader is the best kind of leader.)