Making Working From Home a Less Lonely Place To Be

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic, millions of employees have been adjusting to working at home. It’s been a jarring experience for many. That point has been illustrated by recent surveys that show more than half of employees stating that they felt lonely working from home.

Although working remotely can be a lonely experience for employees there are many resources, such as Employee Assistance Programs, along with many other tools that can help an employee feel more connected, less isolated, and more fulfilled at work.

World Suicide Prevention Day

Nearly 800,000 people die by suicide in the world each year -- about one death every 40 seconds -- and in the US, suicide rates increased by 35% over the past 20 years. September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. Although 2020 has been filled with extraordinary events and stressors that have made maintaining emotional and mental health a real challenge, proper education about the warning signs of suicide can make a lifesaving difference.

WELLBEINGSeptember 10, 2020suicide, World Suicide Prevention Day

How Culturally Competent Is Your EAP?

Cultural competence is loosely defined as the ability to understand, appreciate and interact with people from diverse cultures or belief systems – and has always been an important consideration for mental health professionals. But today, and perhaps more than ever before, it’s imperative that service providers that support employee mental health (such as employee assistance programs, or EAPs) are also providing care that is built on a solid foundation of cultural competence.

Returning to a Mentally Healthy Workplace

Employers are being bombarded with safety recommendations and guidance as worksites that were forced into temporary closure start to reopen. Meanwhile, the pandemic has taken an extraordinary toll on emotional wellbeing worldwide. Addressing employee mental health concerns is a vital element of a successful return-to-work strategy.

Resilience in the Face of a Pandemic

Employees are facing anxiety and uncertainty as they cope with the ongoing impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Their lives are changing by the minute while they plan for uncertain times – and many find themselves isolated socially from family, friends and coworkers. It’s normal to feel anxious, afraid or even angry when faced with the unknown. How employees cope, react and respond to this crisis depends on their ability to be resilient.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and EAP Treatment Modalities

In times of stress or trauma, an EAP can help employees develop coping skills to address real or perceived threats in a healthy and productive manner. Although face-to-face counseling is still the cornerstone of an EAP, alternative treatment channels are vital to the success of the program during these times — when in-person counseling may not be the modality of choice for many participants.