Some COVID-19 Survival Tactics….

There is so much in the way of advice regarding the need to wear personal protective equipment – eye glasses/eye goggles, face masks, aprons, booties. All this with frequent sanitising activity prior to, during and post interaction with clients. This is our new normal.
In addition to all of this we are managing:
Life uncertainties
Job insecurity
Change in family dynamics\increase family violence
Increased isolation
Increased emotional support needs etc…
In this time when we all have our own challenges in managing the social isolation and uncertainties of our new world of work and life. Given this we also need to be mindful of the support required by the staff around us. The following are simple things that takes little effort but can go along way to making someone feel better about their own situation:
Ask your staff member if they wish to talk about their concerns or if they would rather speak to someone else.
Consider that you may not be the best person to approach the situation
Choose a suitable time to speak – a time when you are not likely to be interrupted.
Listen
Ask questions that show you genuinely care
Be prepared to accept the workers reactions, mood, feelings, beliefs
Don’t pass judgement
Acknowledge the concerns raised
Assist to explore coping strategies that can be invoked
Always offer consistent emotional support and understanding
Acknowledge the workers strengths
Be aware of the cultural differences amongst workers (a useful reference is: https://www.universalclass.com/articles/business/handling-cultural-differences-in-the-workplace.htm)
As a support person in the workplace or for the workplace, be sure to invest in your own self-care. Remember to:
Recognise your own feelings and deal with these feelings separately to your interaction with the worker
Find someone that you can trust and talk to about what has happened.
When you debrief with someone about a situation ensure that you maintain confidentiality.
Eat Well
Keep regular sleep habits
Practice relaxation techniques
Be physically active
Surround yourself with supportive people
Schedule activities that you enjoy – INVEST IN YOU
Recognise that you cannot be a support to everyone – recognise you own limits.
We spend so much of our time looking after others. We all need to recognise our own needs before we can effectively help others. Investing is ourselves make us better support for our workplace, family and friends.
Keep safe out there, and enjoy every opportunity that comes your way!!.
At Thriving People we are setting out to capture our ‘joy in work’ stories and broadcast them so we can learn from each other – turning theory into reality. Check this out on our website www.thrivingpeople.net.au. If you’d like to know more please connect with us at Thriving People.
Carol Young, Co-Director of Thriving People has 25 + years practical experience holding various qualification as an Occupational Therapist, Health and Safety Practitioner, Nationally Accredited Mediator and Conflict Management Coach (amongst other things).