Employee Wellbeing & Covid Lockdowns

Table of Contents

Chalkboard illustration depicting the mental health effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on lone workers and employees. A silhouette of a head is outlined in blue with the words "STRESS & ANXIETY" inside. Various terms such as "COVID-19," "pandemic," "lockdown," "isolation," "social distancing," "coronavirus," and "quarantine" point towards the head, representing factors contributing to mental strain and emotional distress, highlighting the importance of lone worker safety.

In our abruptly changing world, we are now coming to grips with what is going to be our “new normal”. The effects of Employee Wellbeing and Covid Lockdowns we are only starting to see now. One thing is certain, the impacts of unpredictable and extended lockdown periods have been immense. Emotional and physical fear presents itself in many ways. From those people forced into the home office, to our frontline workers, the strain is very evident. Sometimes though, that strain is not quite so obvious. How can we tell and what can we do to help? What are our responsibilities?

And what happens now, when it appears that the lockdowns may be coming to an end? Are we ready to venture back to the original workplace? What if that workplace is no longer there?

We explore an alarming side effect of Employee Wellbeing and Covid Lockdowns as well as further inspiring initiatives this month with White Ribbon Day and Head to Health. Read on to find out more.

 

Family and Domestic Violence

Ongoing lockdowns and social distancing have had an alarming increase in acts of domestic violence. It has also reduced the capacity for victims to speak up. Being confined to the home office during lockdown increases the risk for employees. But do employers understand the risks and their obligations?

Safe Work Australia has stated:

‘You must ensure workers and others are not exposed to risks to their health and safety, including from family and domestic violence in the workplace’.

Employers must understand their obligations and educate themselves. More importantly take the appropriate steps to protect employees from harm in the workplace, irrespective of where that is. There’s no excuse.

Employee Wellbeing and Lockdowns

Employee wellbeing during Covid & lockdowns
Head to Health Mental Health Support Poster

Another big change is coming, the prospect of returning to the workplace after lockdown is over. So here we have another conundrum, are you ready for that change? This in itself is another upheaval for some, where the home office has become quite welcome and a work-life balance could be achieved. For others, it was extremely difficult, stressful and a huge adjustment. Does going back then create an additional source of fear and uncertainty?

It’s a good time to start preparing for the migration back to what could be an original or somewhat modified workplace. A mental health check could be in order. Fortunately, there are a lot of resources and support that is available to help our workforce navigate through what might also be another stressful change.

The Australian Government has created a website with access to numerous support resources to help you check in not only on your employees but also on yourself and other loved ones in your life.

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A smiling lone worker wearing an orange blouse and a blue lanyard with an identification badge stands at a doorway, speaking to an older person wearing a green sweater. The background features a brick wall and sunlight filtering through the window. Bold text at the bottom reads "WORKSAFE THIS FESTIVE SEASON," with a Santa hat placed over the "O" in "WORKSAFE."

Be Smart and WorkSafe this Festive Season

The holiday season is approaching and many of your employees will ask for some well-deserved time off. This means there will be less staff around. So, how can you ensure those remaining staff will be smart and WorkSafe this festive season?

Read More »
Man wearing a high-visibility vest sitting on a forklift in a warehouse. The text 'Guide to Working Alone Safely' is displayed on the left side, with the 'WorkSafe Guardian' logo at the bottom.

Guide to Working Alone

Discover our guide for employees working alone. Explore risk assessment, communication strategies, and the role of WorkSafe Guardian in ensuring a secure work environment. Empower your lone workers with actionable tips for working alone safely.

Read More »
Healthcare worker wearing blue scrubs and a lanyard, walking down stairs while looking at a phone. The text 'The Importance of Having a Lone Worker Policy' is displayed on the left side, with the 'WorkSafe Guardian' logo in the bottom right corner.

Lone Worker Policy

Explore the essence of a Lone Worker Policy, ensuring well-being for those working alone. Aligned with WHS regulations, it defines roles, mitigates risks, and promotes a secure work environment. Empower lone workers, meet legal standards, and cultivate a culture of safety.

Read More »

Last month we highlighted Safe Work Month and Employee Mental Health Month. Two incredibly important initiatives to increase awareness on a national level.

Another equally important event taking place across Australia this month is White Ribbon Day. On Friday 19th November 2021 groups and workplaces across the nation will come together to educate and increase awareness of gender inequality and violence.

Employee Wellbeing and Lockdowns

Employee wellbeing during Covid & lockdowns
Head to Health Mental Health Support Poster

Another big change is coming, the prospect of returning to the workplace after lockdown is over. So here we have another conundrum, are you ready for that change? This in itself is another upheaval for some, where the home office has become quite welcome and a work-life balance could be achieved. For others, it was extremely difficult, stressful and a huge adjustment. Does going back then create an additional source of fear and uncertainty?

It’s a good time to start preparing for the migration back to what could be an original or somewhat modified workplace. A mental health check could be in order. Fortunately, there are a lot of resources and support that is available to help our workforce navigate through what might also be another stressful change.

The Australian Government has created a website with access to numerous support resources to help you check in not only on your employees but also on yourself and other loved ones in your life.

Like this article? Share it!

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Read more articles

A smiling lone worker wearing an orange blouse and a blue lanyard with an identification badge stands at a doorway, speaking to an older person wearing a green sweater. The background features a brick wall and sunlight filtering through the window. Bold text at the bottom reads "WORKSAFE THIS FESTIVE SEASON," with a Santa hat placed over the "O" in "WORKSAFE."

Be Smart and WorkSafe this Festive Season

The holiday season is approaching and many of your employees will ask for some well-deserved time off. This means there will be less staff around. So, how can you ensure those remaining staff will be smart and WorkSafe this festive season?

Read More »
Man wearing a high-visibility vest sitting on a forklift in a warehouse. The text 'Guide to Working Alone Safely' is displayed on the left side, with the 'WorkSafe Guardian' logo at the bottom.

Guide to Working Alone

Discover our guide for employees working alone. Explore risk assessment, communication strategies, and the role of WorkSafe Guardian in ensuring a secure work environment. Empower your lone workers with actionable tips for working alone safely.

Read More »
Healthcare worker wearing blue scrubs and a lanyard, walking down stairs while looking at a phone. The text 'The Importance of Having a Lone Worker Policy' is displayed on the left side, with the 'WorkSafe Guardian' logo in the bottom right corner.

Lone Worker Policy

Explore the essence of a Lone Worker Policy, ensuring well-being for those working alone. Aligned with WHS regulations, it defines roles, mitigates risks, and promotes a secure work environment. Empower lone workers, meet legal standards, and cultivate a culture of safety.

Read More »

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