Cases of mental health disorders in workers have been on the rise in recent months, as confirmed by a study conducted by Miguel Angel Vallejo, Professor of Psychology at the UNED. The research, carried out on a population sample of some 600 people, determines that 33% of those surveyed have suffered from anxiety and another 20% from a level of depression that required professional treatment.
These results do not surprise anyone, but they are worrying, since it is a fairly high rate and should be taken into account. In addition, the uncertainty that has been unleashed in the economy and healthcare in the near future does not help at all to reduce these percentages.
Concerned about health and the economy
We are not used to living with such a big unknown as the one we are about to face. We were fairly calm with the employment situation we had, and now we have suddenly been forced to deal with the consequences of this pandemic.
The truth is that there is reason to worry, as business activities show figures 43% lower than at the same time in 2019. This means that while the healthcare crisis is being resolved, the economy will need much more time to regain stability. All this will cause workers to experience an increase in symptoms such as:
- Nervousness.
- Restlessness.
- Fear.
- Panic.
Personal and professional effects
These situations can affect the worker, both personally and professionally, thus affecting his productivity in the workplace. For this reason, many companies are providing their employees with a psychology service to help them cope with this new situation.
WHO guidelines
The World Health Organization (WHO) has not let this situation pass unnoticed and has announced that this psychological impact should not be ignored. In this sense, it has published guidelines that will serve as a guide on aspects of psychosocial and mental health support in this context of COVID-19.
This emotional support is very necessary to face this ‘new normality’ with guarantees. With teleworking the order of the day, as well as forced social distancing and strict hygiene measures, this is how we will have to live during the coming months. The rules of the game have severely changed, so it is not superfluous to facilitate the task of adaptation and reincorporation of workers to their jobs.
Is teleworking the right choice?
Teleworking is a reality. This type of work has increased by no less than 80%. Although it is the work of the future and can bring great benefits, it is advisable to implement it well, because otherwise it can be counterproductive.
Working from home requires a space in which we can completely isolate ourselves and dedicate time to work. However, if the conditions are not ideal, there could be an aversion to teleworking.
For this reason, it is so important that in case of having to do it, to condition the work area to be able to perform our tasks at home in the best possible way.