COVID and Workers – The mental health of your essential workers

The topic of social isolation continues to be a part of the daily conversation as employees across Canada deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. For those living alone who have been asked to work from home to support social-distancing policies, it’s understandable that some may be struggling with this isolation period.

But it’s important that we also remember the thousands of essential-service workers who aren’t dealing with home isolation. They have another challenge. They deal with the mental challenge of working in a new way and feeling isolated because of changes in work methods.

Going to work every day during a pandemic demands focus and attention to detail. Essential workers go to work knowing that one mistake in judgment could put them at risk for contracting COVID-19. Even touching a contaminated surface and then forgetting to wash one’s hands can result in unknowingly transferring the virus to a family member.

Employers must be aware that whenever an employee in such working conditions doesn’t feel psychologically safe to express concerns or fears, it can result in feeling isolated. Working under stress and strain, and not feeling safe to share concerns, can have an additional negative impact on their mental health.

Chosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor. Read the whole story @ Look to the mental health of your essential workers – The Globe and Mail