As many organisations are taking precautions to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, they are increasingly having to consider and take action around employees’ mental health.

Many employees are now working remotely in order to reduce risk to businesses and individuals across the UK. But it does mean that the lack of personal contact places obstacles in the way of monitoring mental health.

Mental health charity Mates in Mind is continuing to support workforces with their mental wellbeing, especially those who are working remotely during this period, and have therefore developed factsheets for organisations and individuals in order to help them protect their mental health and wellbeing as we tackle uncertain times.

The brief has been developed for teams across UK workplaces to use for reassuring, signposting and supporting your teams during these uncertain times.

James Rudoni, Managing Director at Mates in Mind, said:

“The whole world is now battling with an issue of immense scale and unprecedented human impact, and the thoughts of everyone at Mates in Mind go out to all who have been affected by the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus.

“During this time, we believe it is our role and responsibility to focus on three things:

• The mental health and wellbeing of our supporters and partners.
• Reaching out with advice and guidance to other UK workplaces.
• Undertaking a practical role in supporting public health officials and government leaders as they work to contain the virus.

“We will continue to make decisions based on the latest information and we remain guided by our aims and charitable objectives.

“I also wanted to personally reach out to you and reassure you that Mates in Mind are taking immediate steps to evolve our programme, our approach and develop the tools to support the mental health and wellbeing of our community in tackling the additional challenges that COVID-19 poses to the mental health of our workforces – both immediately and into the future.

“Taking proactive steps to develop our approach, we have produced new resources and tools, are evolving our training programme and developing new, innovative ways to reach those who are most at risk, helping us all to work better together and remain mentally healthy in this time.

“As we all navigate COVID-19 and the changes it is bringing to each of our lives, we urge our community to reach out and start the conversation around mental health. We encourage everyone to talk and connect with one another and reinforce the support systems around them.

“We also call on any of our supporters to get in touch with our dedicated team to explore what we can do to support your organisation and the wider industry – we are here to help.

“The mental wellbeing of your employees and those of our many other supporters and partners are at the heart of what we do.”

Mates in Mind’s Employers Supporting Remote Working Checklist has been developed to enable employers to support their workforces and includes the latest updates and guidance around best workplace practice.

Additionally, its Homeworking Mental Health Tips are available for individuals to download and includes support and guidance for employees who are adjusting to a new working style.

For more information go to: www.matesinmind.org/news/covid19-mentalhealth.html.