Addressing the mental health implications of COVID-19
How credit unions can help employees struggling with anxiety during the pandemic and beyond.
You, your employees and members have been bombarded with traditional and social media reports, speculation, facts, conjecture and outright mistruths for weeks now and the barrage is likely to continue. Amidst all the havoc, there are some things that credit union leaders can do to help manage their own and their employees’ mental health, says Nancy Reardon, chief strategy and product officer at Maestro Health in Hartford, Connecticut.
“People are experiencing more fear and uncertainty about what to do if they become sick,” says Reardon. “However, these concerns aren’t exclusive to COVID-19, which is why it’s important for companies to proactively communicate with employees about their mental health resources and make mental health a continued priority.”
There is much that credit union leaders can do now and in the future.
“Share information regularly with employees about the mental health, healthcare and other wellness support and information available to them and how to access that information,” Reardon advises. “Educating employees on what mental health options are available to them, such as counselors they can call, meditation platforms available and other mental health resources they can turn to for guidance, gives employees peace of mind and reduces anxiety.”
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