What does quarantine do to a person?

How do we "social beings" manage in isolation?  The Economist and Trouw  wrote an article about it recently. Our conclusion? Don't underestimate the mental effects! Especially in these times, a good approach by companies around mental health, can pay off.

Although some are more resilient than others, this time can be mentally draining. Anxiety or stress symptoms, gloominess and worse sleep. Did you know that prolonged isolation can even cause post-traumatic stress disorder? Organisations that notice that gloom or mental pressure has set in among employees should not underestimate the consequences.

It pays off, too 

WHO research among U.S. companies shows that every dollar invested in improving staff mental health ultimately yields four dollars through improved health and productivity. Many companies can draw diversity much more broadly, by looking at emotional diversity as well, focusing on mental health. 

Components of this could include promoting healthy eating, e-learnings that teach employees how to respond to stress, and mindfulness or yoga courses that could possibly be taught in the workplace.

Quick wins 

Is the above not on the internal agenda at all? Then perhaps you are wondering what you can do as an organisation to make the situation more bearable:

• At least give your employees the space to talk about it with their immediate supervisor.
• Make problems visibly discussable.
• Sometimes it can help to pair someone up with another colleague. A buddy who gives tips and listens and helps colleagues through these special times. People who have a good social safety net actually produce a demonstrably lower stress hormone! 
  
  But, of course, we hope that many of the above tips are unnecessary for you for the time being ;)

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