Dyfed Powys Police Federation is signposting members to new advice for dealing with coronavirus-related anxiety and stress in the workplace.
As the national lockdown continues and talk turns to how restrictions might be eased, people will experience different emotions, whether they’ve been working remotely or in the same setting.
The guidance from the British Psychological Society (BPS) – Covid-19 related anxiety and distress in the workplace: A guide for employers and employees – provides practical steps and ideas for creating healthy, sustainable workplaces.
It uses a psychologically informed approach called SHARE, developed for the guidance to help employers and employees deal with Covid-19 related anxiety and distress, as well as adapt and thrive in new ways of working.
SHARE stands for:
Dai Gaskins, Dyfed Powys Police Federation wellbeing lead, said: “We all have our worries and concerns at the moment, whether they be about the virus itself, loved ones or work-related.
“It may be that you’re worried about being exposed to Covid-19 in your line of work and taking it home to loved ones. It could be concerns about home-schooling, the impact on job performance or maybe it’s due to financial pressures because of a change in employment situation for a partner.
“Being anxious or worried about the situation is normal and understandable, and many people will be feeling exactly the same. As a Federation, we have serious concerns about the long-term impact the last 12 months will have on people’s mental health and wellbeing.
“This guidance provides advice and support for you to process and cope with how they are feeling. It also provides help to move to new ways of working, and to look after your wellbeing.”
Officers are also encouraged to look out for each other’s mental health in the Federation’s Hear ‘Man Up’, Think ‘Man Down’ campaign which urges officers not to ignore the signs when colleagues are struggling and to encourage them to seek appropriate support.
Dai added: “As a Federation, we’re here to support you and can point you in the direction of help and support if you need it.”
More wellbeing advice can also be found at the Oscar Kilo website and you can also contact your Federation workplace representative or the full-time officials in the Federation office.