Helping your team navigate COVID-19

Recently, I read that COVID-19 has tripled the rate of depression in US adults. Tripled. The study released by Boston University School of Medicine, shows depression is hitting all of us harder than any other crisis. But that number doesn't begin to tell the whole story. Depression is higher in some groups, based on your financial picture, your gender, your race, even your marital status.

• The study found women have suffered more depression than men, which could be partially explained by a jarringly inequitable expectation of women around household duties and educating the kids. This increase in expectation has created what could be long-term harm to women. In fact, a recent study shows us that women may not catch up for some time.
• Apart from gender differences, there are differences between those who are married or single, with 18.3% of married respondents claiming depression and 39.8% of those who have never been married claiming depression.
• There is also a difference in how COVID is impacting those with different incomes. Respondents with lower incomes were 2.4 times more likely than their peers to report depression symptoms.
• Of course, people of color are more impacted. We have all read the stories about how the black community, Latinex community, Native Americans and others are being more impacted by COVID-19, be it through job loss, loss of health care or much more. Sadly, though, none of this is new. The burden of our racist society has long created disproportionate mental health in people of color. In fact, a 2018 study found that people of color always have higher numbers of depression and anxiety.

None of this is shocking. We love certainty, routines, traditions. COVID-19 has taken those away from us. We also love restaurants, theater, movies, concerts. We love seeing our family and friends. Missing all of those for months has hit everyone.

So where does this leave our workplace? How can we support our employees through this difficult time?

1. Nearly 40% of American workers say their company hasn't even checked in since COVID-19 to see how they are doing. Maybe the first thing we should be doing is asking how people are doing. Start the conversation.
2. Be real. This has been a hard time for all of us. I think it's okay to be vulnerable. It is also okay to realize how privileged some of us are. I try to own that when I talk to others and listen as much as I can.
3. Stay on it. We cannot just talk about mental health and then know it is okay. Many people are struggling now and will continue to struggle, so we need to keep up the conversation.
4. Build in coaching if you can. If you have the ability (or budget) now is the time to build in coaching for people. Many of are are struggling with sadness during COVID-19 and many more of us are doing our best to work on being anti-racists. Giving people access to coaching and mental health support right now can help.
5. Get time away from Zoom. For our organization, we have adopted a "COVID PTO" day. Once a pay period, you just get a day to decompress and get away, beyond our planned vacation days. I know this cannot work for every company or organization, but even a quick decompression day can help the team.
6. Encourage time outside. There will always be another meeting. I have been urging people to take calls instead of Zoom and take them while walking. Personally, I have been taking calls on a lot of walks. After work, I have gotten into kayaking lately. Whatever works for you, the exercise and time outside helps.
7. Set up a regular schedule. I don't know about you, but I am working on weekends and nights. I am here and so is the laptop, so I just keep working. We all need to make a point to... just stop.
8. Take a break from social media. This one is tough for me, as I am addicted to my social channels. And in this political climate, I rely on them greatly. But I am also trying to control my intake, especially at night and on weekends. How many stories do I need to read and get angered by? How many is enough?
9. Do something good. At our organization, we have been giving time to employees to volunteer since COVID-19 began. Many people feel the urge to make a difference. Employers should try to create time and space for social-distanced volunteering and help in the community.
10. Go with grace. I need to constantly remind myself to understand if people are short-tempered, tired, angry or just not at their best. This is not a time to judge employees or ourselves. This is a time to survive. Just show grace.

Everyone is impacted by this time differently. It has not been very hard for me in many ways. My family is safe, though my kids' college plans have changed substantially. My parents are still okay, though I cannot see them. But my husband and I are both okay with steady jobs. I know not everyone has this situation right now. I also know not every organization can offer COVID-19 PTO or days to volunteer. But some of the ideas on this list can be done anywhere. And just listening? Well, that is a universal language.

I know I am utterly blessed to be a nonprofit leader now, especially because our organization is working on educational advocacy, something sorely needed in this terrible time. So that comes with the responsibility to ask questions. Am I being kind enough to the team in this tough time? Am I opening the dialogue enough, giving them enough resources?

I believe good leaders should always be asking those questions. And, good leaders should be aware we are human beings. We will make mistakes -- during regular times. We will make even more during pandemics.

All we can do is try to explain, try to improve and try to listen as we navigate these uncharted waters.

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Lauri Hennessey is the CEO of League of Education Voters, an organization dedicated to making sure every student has access to an excellent public education that provides an equal opportunity for success in Washington State. She is happy to connect with other CEOs or colleagues building connections and managing through COVID-19.

The mental health crisis stemming from Covid-19 is serious and will be with us for some time to come. Let’s approach it with compassion, honesty, and openness. We will emerge from this as better leaders, better people, and better companies

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• Remind yourself that everyone is in an unusual situation with limited resources.
• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting and mentally exhausting
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns, how you are feeling, or how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting you.
• Connect with others through phone calls, email, text messages, mailing letters or cards, video chat, and social media.
• Check on others. Helping others improves your sense of control, belonging, and self-esteem. Look for safe ways to offer social support to others, especially if they are showing signs of stress, such as depression and anxiety.
• If you feel you may be misusing alcohol or other drugs (including prescription drugs) as a means of coping, reach out for help.
• If you are being treated for a mental health condition, continue with your treatment and be aware of any new or worsening symptoms.