The COVID-19 pandemic changed a lot of things. In the aftermath of quarantine we are starting to rebuild what we lost, even with the threat of new variants looming ahead. Most of us are still learning how to reconnect with friends and feel comfortable in public spaces. However, as far as long term consequences go, one that is often overlooked is the changes to the workplace post pandemic. Undeniably, quarantine changed the way many people want to work and how companies have had to adjust to attract and keep new employees.

Work-life balance is often discussed alongside mental health and self-care. In the same way that a relationship can be toxic, certain workplace situations can also have negative effects on your life and emotions. In hopes of keeping ourselves and others safe, we all undertook huge changes throughout the pandemic, not all of them good.These changes affect our mental health, stress levels and even income. Coming back, its important to ask what employers can do to make sure the transition is smooth, so that people can get back to work in a positive environment.

In April 2020, as news of the coronavirus first reached the US, unemployment rates skyrocketed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 14.7% of people were unemployed for several months that followed compared to an unemployment rate of 3.5% in February 2020. Businesses were cutting back or closing entirely due to COVID. During the pandemic, many businesses went online and it became common to work from home. Many delivery, curbside pickup, and touchless options were introduced. These methods helped offset the financial loss and lack of business the pandemic caused. At the same time, it put a strain on working-class people.

As restrictions set in, working remotely became a popular option.  During the pandemic it was not uncommon that workers were pressured to juggle keeping up an online presence while homeschooling their children and making dinner with whatever grocery stores managed to keep in stock. This was an overwhelming task that left many workers feeling more isolated and stressed than when they were in the office. More commonly, those who worked from home struggled to uphold a good balance of work and relaxation as their home and work life blurred.

Restaurants and stores were limited to carry–out and curbside, which meant they lost or laid off many employees. Those who continued working were faced with subpar conditions where their health was regularly jeopardized. They were expected to take on additional tasks to compensate for the lack of personnel. Though some businesses did offer additional compensation or benefits packages, many working-class people were expected to take on extra responsibilities for no extra pay. Sometimes, they were met with grief when they needed time away — after all, their work was more “essential” than ever before.

Fast forward two years. The unemployment rate is at about 3.4% in the US but the unhealthy pandemic-era habits have stuck around. According to the 2022 Gallup State of the Workforce report, stress in the workplace is at an all-time high, even more so than during the pandemic. About 45% of individuals surveyed reported feeling a lot of stress throughout a typical workday, with female employees being the most affected demographic. Some factors, such as financial insecurity, unsustainable workloads, and a collective feeling of grief and burnout contribute to the overall problem. More than ever, it is essential that employers step up their efforts. In today's market, in order to attract and keep potential employees, bosses must create healthy work environments, and hold themselves accountable for the well-being of their employees.

First and foremost, it's important to identify what a healthy work environment can look like. Do you feel safe and valued? Are you being offered an equitable wage that suits your lifestyle needs? Are you able to take sick days or vacations without harassment? Are you receiving benefits like a pension or health care? Is your workplace diverse? Do you have opportunities for upward mobility or training? These are all important questions to ask, and getting clear on your personal desires will help you avoid companies that will bring you more stress.

Focusing on employees first is the most effective and humane method to maintaining a productive, successful, and safe work environment, no matter what. Establishing trust, showing appreciation, and promoting open communication are great steps managers can take to improve the mental health culture surrounding their employees. This inevitably helps with employee retention and increases people’s engagement with their careers — better for productivity and for the bottom line.

Mental health is such a large factor in productivity that many high-level companies now offer counseling or mental health coverage as part of their benefits for potential employees. Establishing a focus on mental health can reduce stress and burnout and increase productivity. More importantly, prioritizing your mental health at home and at work will help you feel better overall. Money is essential to everyday life, but we all deserve to be in an environment that suits our needs and keeps us from dreading clocking in each day.

There is no denying that the pandemic has changed how people work. Moving forward, we hope to ease the burden on the working class by raising the bar on workplace culture. Checking in with your workmates and bosses as well as yourself about mental health is the key to eliminating the stigma around struggle. In our practice, we have contributed by creating our consulting firm and offering executive coaching. We work with leaders to establish a blueprint that can be used to build a positive mental health ecosystem..  We believe that with the correct tools and a dedication to bringing wellness to the forefront, it is possible to uplift everyone and encourage their full potential.