The cost of COVID-19 in the workplace --- looking after your physical and mental health

We faced many challenges last year in and outside the workplace during the year 2020 due to COVID-19. As we return to normal, we should consider the negative effects that stress can have on employees and the office.

Employees' stress can cause some problems in the following areas:

• Physical health, such as headaches, fatigue, muscle tension, upset stomach and indigestion. In some case, stress can be life threatening.
• Psychological health, including irritability or anger, sadness, lack of energy and motivation. For some, ongoing stress can lead to depression, panic attacks and other psychiatric problems.
• Job performance, including tardiness, absences, mistakes, accidents, poor quality of work, and conflict on the job. It could possibly lead to workplace violence.
• Home and family, such as relationships problems with a spouse or children. This could lead to substance abuse, domestic violence, and divorce.

How we handle pressure will determine whether we stand or break. - Ed Hindson

Stress affects how we think, feel and act. It also determines how we relate to each other and how we make a choice in the workplace and at home. If you feel stress and anxiety daily as we work toward returning to normal at work and socially, please contact Behavioral Health Systems (BHS), Employee Assistance Program. There is no cost to use BHS services. You can call BHS at 1-800-245-1150 or 205-879-1150 Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Time. You can also log into the website: behavioralhealthsystems.com and use the password “DORM.” If you have questions, please contact Danita Rose, Employee Relations Officer in the Office of Human Resources, Employee Relations Section, at (334) 206-9494.