Worried about how coronavirus could impact your work?
We’ve heard from many people who feel unsettled and nervous about the impact of COVID-19 on their workplaces and livelihoods.
Between personal health concerns, worries over family and friends, layoffs and furloughs, and everything else that is happening, the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is causing uncertainty for many workers. Maybe you’re worried about hours being cut or losing tips as customers slow down, or concerned about whether to go to work or who will care for your kids if school closes, or maybe just unsure because your employer isn’t providing much, if any, direction.
If you’re in need of support, our trained peer counselors are available: 510-674-1414.
How might coronavirus impact your work?
Businesses across the United States are facing important questions. As supply chains are disrupted, some companies are cutting back on forecasts. To provide safeguards for workers, conferences and travel are being cancelled, and health care measures like extra cleaning and working from home (for those that can) are being put in place. That all has an impact on workers from record unemployment to slowdowns in hiring to shifting schedules. And it’s harder for smaller businesses to adjust, especially for retail and restaurants, or for health care or front line essential workers where work and stress are increasing. Depending on your industry and role, you could be impacted in different ways.
Some questions to consider as you think about where you stand:
How has your employer handled cutbacks before?
Can your role be done in partial or total remote capacity outside of your workplace?
How does your employer or manager support sick time or caregiving leave?
How quickly has your employer moved on concerns related to employees’ wellbeing in the past?
Would your employer be open to learning about how other businesses are responding?
If you’re a frontline or essential worker, what support are you not getting right now?
Reflecting on the context for your employer may help alleviate concerns. Or it may increase them.
What can you do if you’re worried about COVID-19 at work?
Being concerned about yourself, your coworkers, and the potential impact is normal. It’s a natural human reaction, and shows you care. It’s also reasonable to want to take action.
Every individual’s circumstances and workplace is different, but there are some general actions that may be helpful:
Prepare your workplace. The WHO has guidelines on getting your workplace ready. These may be helpful to implement if you’re in a role that can execute on these, or share with decision makers at your employer.
Sign up for local updates. Local health authorities are sharing information and resources for individuals and businesses.
Check in with your team. Simply asking how a coworker is doing can mean a lot. The sense of uncertainty is pervasive and can increase mental health concerns. Feeling more connected with other teammates can help.
Consider ways to help one another. Some employees may be worried about family, or concerned about missing work if schools have to close. Whether it’s within a business, a trade association, a support group, an alumni community, a union, or another community group, planning ways to support one another can be powerful and proactive.
Ask for help. Ask for more information. If you don’t feel like your employer is being communicative or taking actions to be clear about hours, work schedules, or time off to support employees, it’s reasonable to ask for more information.
From the federal government to local businesses, the coronavirus is raising new and important questions about how we ensure the health and wellbeing of our communities and places of work. The next few weeks may continue to feel uncertain.
If you’re feeling concerned and need support, reach out to a coworker, a friend, a community, or one of Empower Work’s peer counselors: 510-674-1414.
Note: this article was originally written early in the coronavirus unfolding. Given the rapidly changing nature of coronavirus, some content may feel slightly outdated. The most up-to-date guidance on wages, protections, and paid leave related to coronavirus, is available on the Department of Labor coronavirus hub.
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