As the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to evolve with ongoing media coverage, many people are experiencing anxiety due to the uncertainty about how this will impact them. They are worried about the impact to their communities, how they can protect themselves and their families, and how to be prepared if the situation disrupts the normal course of daily life.

It is normal to feel anxious, unsettled, distracted, scared and/or overwhelmed by COVID-19 and the uncertainty surrounding its impact to communities. Some people may be more vulnerable due to pre-existing physical and mental health conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder.

Feeling stressed can affect the immune system and increase the risk of getting ill in general. That is why it is important to take steps to manage anxiety and reactions to this evolving situation. The following suggestions can help people manage anxiety and stress for themselves and their families:

1. Seek health information from trusted resources like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), The World Health Organization and state health department websites.
2. Plan ahead to feel more in control. Make contingency plans for work, childcare or travel if it becomes necessary.
3. Wash hands often, get plenty of rest, exercise, eat well, don’t smoke and limit alcohol consumption.
4. Put things into perspective:
   1. Of the 80,000 confirmed coronavirus cases reported in China, “more than 70% have recovered and been discharged,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO) in a news conference on Monday.¹
   2. Per the CDC, only certain groups, such as older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions, are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.²
   3. Public health officials are working to mitigate the virus’ spread.
5. Limit exposure to media. Media outlets have a tendency to sensationalize stories, so it’s important to consume news thoughtfully and with a critical eye.

Magellan Healthcare has resources to help people during crises and difficult times. Our Crisis Communications website provides topical information and connects people with U.S. resources, and our Mind Your Mental Health site addresses many topics related to emotional well-being.

1: https://www.cnn.com/asia/live-news/coronavirus-outbreak-03-09-20-intl-hnk/index.html, “More than 70% of coronavirus cases in China have recovered, WHO says,” posted 3/9/20, 7:25 p.m. EDT, Jacqueline Howard, accessed from site 3/10/20, 12:57 p.m. EDT.

2: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html#who-is-higher-risk, accessed 3/10/20, 12:34 p.m. EDT.

Disclaimer: The content in this blog article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For questions regarding any medical condition or if you need medical advice, please contact your healthcare provider.

Stress in the workplace can negatively impact job satisfaction and productivity, leading to low morale and employee turnover. In a 2018 Korn Ferry survey of nearly 2,000 professionals, 76% said that stress at work has had a negative impact on their personal relationships and 66% said they have lost sleep due to work stress.¹ Common causes of stress at work include: fear of being laid off, more overtime due to staff cutbacks, pressure to work at optimum levels all the time and lack of control over how work is done.² So what can employers do to support employees and create a culture that fosters mental and physical health?

The Building Blocks of an Emotionally Healthy and Safe Workplace

According to the American Psychological Association, while every organization is unique and faces different challenges, there are five practices that make up the foundation of a healthy workplace: employee involvement, work-life balance, employee growth and development, health and safety, and employee recognition.³

Employee involvement and engagement requires honest and regular communication between top management and all employees. A Gallup poll of more than one million American employees showed that the top reason people leave their jobs is because of their bosses, not because they dislike their position.4 Methods to empower and motivate employees include ensuring they have the tools they need to do their jobs, allowing flexibility, encouraging collaboration and teamwork, and showing appreciation.

Work-life balance is also vital. Programs and policies, such as employee assistance programs (EAPs), offer resources to help employees with all aspects of life, from childcare to financial concerns. Opportunities for employee growth and development include educational offerings, tuition assistance, mentoring, and leadership development. Investing in employee development helps employees develop their skills, increases staff motivation, and attracts top talent.

Health and safety initiatives encourage mental and physical well-being. Examples are wellness programs that promote a healthy lifestyle, such as smoking cessation, stress management, weight loss, and more. Again, EAPs offer a wealth of resources for all employees on how to achieve and maintain physical and emotional health.

Finally, expressing appreciation and recognizing employee contributions go a long way to promote job satisfaction. Recognition does not necessarily have to be monetary. Studies have shown that while compensation and benefits are important to workers, feeling valued and respected is even more critical.

Benefits

It may take time to tailor these approaches to fit with company culture, build trust, and meet the needs of employees. But the benefits of an emotionally healthy and safe workplace are many: higher morale, improved performance, reduced absenteeism and turnover, and a positive reputation that attracts and retains employees. Employees who are motivated and engaged are also better able to handle organizational change and other stressors.⁵

1 (2018, November 18). Retrieved from https://www.kornferry.com/institute/workplace-stress-motivation.

2 Segal, J., Smith, M., Robinson, L., & Segal, R. (n.d.) Retrieved January 6, 2020 from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-in-the-workpalce.htm

3 Retrieved January 6, 2020 from https://www.apaexcellence.org/resources/creatingahealthyworkplace/

4 Retrieved January 6, 2020 from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/employees-dont-leave-companies-managers-brigette-hyacinth/

5 Retrieved January 6, 2020 from https://www.apaexcellence.org/resources/creatingahealthyworkplace/benefits/