The mental health of colleagues at work has been an important focus for Managers and HR Teams alike since the advent of the Covid-19 induced lockdown.

Stress and anxiety can be experienced by people in the workplace for many reasons, a feeling uncertainty and isolation are two of many potential triggers that can affect colleague mental health and wellbeing at work. 

And there is plenty of uncertainty at present from a macro to micro perspective;  from the continuation of the furlough programme, easing of lockdown restrictions to the future viability of businesses to a colleagues own job security.   

Change can be stressful in itself. Working from home had become the new norm over the last 12 months. What will hybrid working mean for businesses and employees? Any routines that have been established over the various Covid lockdowns is likely to change again.

With people increasingly working from home more – will there be an increased sense of isolation of employees? For some, the change of scene can also be important. 

Humans are ultimately socialable animals that, on the whole, enjoy interaction with colleagues.  It’s just not the same online via Teams or Zoom calls – however much you try. Sometimes, the casual catch up with a colleague is far more helpful to get to know them and really understand what they need from a work perspective.

One thing is for sure – there is no one size fits all and therefore it’s important to offer tools that colleagues can use as part of staff wellbeing and corporate wellbeing programme.

Mental Health and Mediation – can it help?

In our view – if mediation can help cope with, not necessarily solve any anxiety or stress people may be feeling, then it has to be a postive thing. 

It’s also worth remembering that any yoga class, at a studio or online will have a short section at the end, called Savasana where a guided meditation is offered whilst lying on your back. Some businesses have taken the step to offer corporate yoga classes as part of their wellbeing at work initiatives as it it helps not only the mental health of colleagues but also helps them stay physically active.

One thing to remember – it’s easy to think that to meditate you need to be in a beautiful location, overlooking a panoramic view with a sunset and sunrise.  (Note to self – I appreciate that our photo’s seem to re-enforce this, but it really isn’t the case. We need to take photos that are more accessible for everyone to practice meditation).

You don’t! Below are a few tips that will hopefully find a time and place that will work for you.