Mental Health in the Workplace…Working from Home Edition

Prior to COVID-19, it seemed as more and more corporations were beginning to talk about mental health. Big businesses were checking in on their employees, bringing in speakers to address mental health issues, etc. Now, there are many businesses who are working from home while COVID-19 is still impacting each and every person around the globe. For individuals working from home, their mental health needs have more than likely shifted. For many, they are working from home, working out from home, taking care of their kids from home, and honestly the list goes on and on. This can take a toll of the overall emotional well-being of people. Because of this, it is important businesses and corporations are STILL talking about mental health. There are ways this can be done while working from home.

• Be sure to check in on employees. Just ask a simple, “how are you doing?” or “are you doing okay?” Not every employee will want to talk about their mental health, but it is important employees know they can talk about it if they want to.
• Make sure employees know what mental health resources are available, whether that would be within the company or even community-wide.
• Consistency is key. We do not know how long this is going to last, so it is important businesses continue to check in on their employees. There might be some employees that do not want to discuss their mental health right away, but they might change their mind down the road.

Mental health has always been important, but as individuals’ lives have been entirely shifted and routines have changed drastically, it is crucial for all of us to discuss mental health with compassion and kindness. For businesses and corporations who have moved to working from home, be sure to check in on each and every employee. Simply starting the conversation can open the door to help, hope, and healing.

Katie Zimmerman, Project Coordinator for The Kim Foundation

Katie Zimmerman joined The Kim Foundation in June 2019. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies and Sociology from Central College in Pella, Iowa. During her time in college, she volunteered at many non-profit organizations and took multiple sociology classes which focused on mental health. Katie’s role at The Kim Foundation includes running the social media accounts, assisting in the Youth Advisory Council, and providing mental health awareness and education to the community through A Voice for Hope and Healing presentations.