COVID-19 Puts A Magnifying Glass On Worker Stress

COVID-19 didn’t cause worker stress, but the pandemic exposed how widespread employee stress is.

That was the word from a panel of Prudential officials, who conducted a webinar this week on mental health and other workplace challenges caused by the pandemic.

“People are enormously stressed. They feel insecure,” said Jamie Kalamarides, president of Prudential Group Insurance. “COVID-19 didn’t cause it, but it exposed it, and it’s a threat to our democracy.”

Prudential released a report on best practices to help employers and their workforce navigate their emotions as they re-enter society and the workplace.

A growing amount of evidence shows that mental health and substance use disorder may be the next pandemic Americans will face, the report said.

The American Psychological Association reports that more than 1 in 3 Americans say COVID-19 is having a serious impact on their mental health, while more than half of Americans believe the pandemic has had a serious impact on their daily lives.

In addition to anxiety and stress, employees worry about “re-entry anxiety” to society and a return to the workplace, due to uncertainty about the future and fear of potential harm.

Financial stress is hitting people harder than overall mental health, according to Dr. Kristin Tugman, author of the report. Almost half of those who are employed report good mental health, compared to one-third of those who are seeking employment. Those who are seeking employment are much more likely to report overall stress (23%) and financial stress (34%).

More than two out of five adults (42%) said that their workplace benefits reduced their financial stress.

Transitioning to a new normal will take time and will be more challenging for those struggling with anxiety and depression. Employers can play an important role in supporting their employees.

More data is needed on the impact of the pandemic on mental health, Tugman said.

People are experiencing depression and anxiety as a result of social isolation. But workers also are suffering “re-entry anxiety,” Tugman said. That anxiety stems from two sets of emotions: 1) fear of being infected or spreading the virus, and 2) difficulty resuming socializing after isolation.

What information can employers share with their workers to make an easier transition?

1. Get back into a routine. Routines are safe and familiar and have been known to reduce anxiety. Once you return to your normal routine, or set a new one, you’ll start to feel better.
2. Focus on what you can control—not on what you can’t. Focus on the moment, not the possibilities.
3. Maintain social distancing and hygiene practices. Wearing a mask in public and washing your hands frequently, will help you feel more at ease.
4. Talk to people who support you. Connecting with people you trust to share your feelings with is critical and cathartic at the same time.
5. Support others. Being there to listen to others can be a great help to them, and enables you to take stock of how you’re feeling.
6. Take note of your emotions. Sometimes we can react without truly connecting to our feelings. That’s why it’s important to take the pulse of your emotions. Once you recognize how you’re feeling, you can take appropriate action.
7. Take care of yourself physically. Eating right, exercising, and getting plenty of sleep will help create some normalcy and promote your physical well-being.
8. Educate yourself. Understand the health care options in your community such as protocols for testing centers and local hospitals that are best equipped to manage COVID-19 cases. Familiarizing yourself with this information will help ease stress and concern.
9. Do what you love. Carve out time for yourself by doing things that you really enjoy. Take time for you.

Susan Rupe is managing editor for InsuranceNewsNet. She formerly served as communications director for an insurance agents' association and was an award-winning newspaper reporter and editor. Contact her at Susan.Rupe@innfeedback.com. Follow her on Twitter @INNsusan.

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Susan Rupe is editor in chief, magazine, for InsuranceNewsNet. She formerly served as communications director for an insurance agents' association and was an award-winning newspaper reporter and editor. Contact her at susan.rupe@innfeedback.com.