Providing Mental Health First Aid remotely
Consistency Giving support in a face-to-face setting might mean speaking to a person’s line manager with them about their work pressures or supporting them to contact their EAP. Where possible, it is important to offer remote employees the same support you would give a colleague face to face. Location-specific support When encouraging professional help, make sure you work with the person to discover what professional support might be available to them in their local area. The support available to a remote employee might differ as their place of work is different. They should be made aware of how to contact HR, their line manager, or their EAP remotely. “If you think a remote worker may be struggling, act sooner rather than later. The isolation that accompanies lone working can aggravate a period of low mood or stress that might be easily sorted out if dealt with promptly.” Jane Cattermole, The Mainly Mental Health Company Limited
As more organisations implement hybrid or fully remote working, connection is becoming more important. Remote working can increase feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are risk factors for poor mental health. Fortunately, the principles of MHFA are the same whether you are supporting someone face to face or from a distance. However, the way you apply these principles might be different. Employee connections Getting to know remote workers well is important as it is harder to spot signs of poor mental health remotely or in an online environment. Promoting your MHFAider role Consider how remote employees can approach you. Lanyards or physical posters work well in person, but a digital version will be essential for colleagues working from home. Make your role known clearly by: – Including your digital MHFAider badge in your email signature, with agreed copy on how to contact you or find out more – Partaking in virtual MHFAider network launch events, awareness campaigns or drop-in sessions Listening non-judgementally in a virtual environment When listening to a remote employee much of their non-verbal communication, such as facial expressions, posture and body language can be lost. Using video conferencing software is recommended wherever possible. Set aside time, minimise distractions, and give the person your full focus.
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