CARES

Given the mandate to work from home, line managers and supervisors can contact employees (kamustahan) via phone calls, SMS, emails, and or other forms of social media to see how they are faring and what assistance they may need.

Examples of questions you may ask include: "Kamusta? Ok ka ba pati yung pamilya mo?", "I’m calling to ask how you are managing given the work-from-home arrangement? Any challenges?", "Is there anything you need that the company can help you with?"

Listening with empathy can be challenging when one is not physically present. This can still be done, however, by acknowledging your employees’ expressed difficulties and challenges as well as making it known that their feelings of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty are valid

Ask your employees about coping mechanisms they are utilizing and affirm their efforts. In the event that they have difficulty coping, you may ask them how you, and the organization, can extend concrete help given existing resources

If you are not in the position to extend or promise help, you may refer them to the right people within the organization (e.g., HR Department) who may be in the best position to shed light on their queries or concerns

If your organization has access to professional help in the form of psychologists, counselors, and therapists, you can also refer your employees so that they can receive appropriate care. Don't forget to inform the employees if the organization will shoulder the cost of these referrals or if the employees will have to pay for the services themselves.

A referral to a mental health professional should be made when a colleague is showing high levels of emotional distress, experiencing difficulties social or occupational functioning, or expressing hopelessness and a desire to end life.

Finding time to inquire about and to affirm your employees’ self-help strategies is equally important.

Some self-care strategies that may be useful:

Stay safe by practicing physical distancing and observing proper hygiene

Eat nutritious meals and at regular times

Limit exposure to upsetting media coverage & get information from credible sources

Find ways to relax, keep busy or learn something new

Connect with family and friends regularly and reach out to health worker/professionals when overwhelmed

Avoid tobacco, alcohol or drugs to cope with your emotions

Remember your strengths and how you coped with past challenges

Exercise, sleep and pray or meditate regularly