AXA Asia issues guidelines on mental health for employees

French insurer AXA has partnered with Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health to bring out two COVID-19 recovery guides to tackle the issue of employees' mental health in the workplace.

As people begin to get back to their workplaces after lockdowns have been relaxed in several countries, it is essential to acknowledge that once familiar environments have changed drastically. And as with any other major transition, it is crucial to proactively consider everyone’s physical and mental well-being in the changed work environment with social distancing and a lot more that could take a psychological toll on people.

AXA Asia chief executive officer Gordon Watson said, “While companies have focused on protecting employees’ physical health by minimising the risk of infection, we also see a clear need for practical support to safeguard mental well-being as we collectively process the impact of the recent pandemic.” Mr Watson said, “Times of crisis stoke anxiety, but companies that take proactive steps to recognise and protect employee well-being will ensure they have the strength to navigate the recovery.”

The two recovery guides include ‘Return to Workplace Practical Guide During and Beyond COVID-19’ and ‘Supporting Mental Health of Employees During and Beyond COVID-19’.

Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Capacity Building and Training in Global Mental Health at Columbia University professor of psychology Dr Kathleen M Pike said, “The path to recovery will not be a straight line. Helping managers and employees maintain good mental health during the back to work stage is critical, as a physical health emergency is also a mental health emergency.

Dr Pike said, “This guide is a comprehensive resource on how to help team members overcome any mental health challenges they face, to resume normal operations without fear of stigma.” The first guide includes resources ranging from contemporary workplace hygiene and teamwork best practices to mindfulness and mental well-being tools. A highlight is a set of Q&A covering some topics commonly raised during the return to the workplace process.

The second guide, co-authored with Columbia University World Health Organization (WHO) Centre for Global Mental Health, explores the importance of employee mental wellbeing. Highlights include practical resources and support to help managers understand how to talk to their team members and support their mental well-being.

Source: Asia Insurance Review