At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals experienced an increase in Anxiety fearing a COVID-19 infection and the uncertainty of how the pandemic would influence daily life.

Anxieties were further fuelled by being urged to stay inside as the national lockdown came into effect. As we slowly became accustomed to life in lockdown, anxieties subsided somewhat as we
accepted a new reality of living.

Many people across South Africa are now able to return to a working day at the office, but what does this mean? Uncertainty is now again causing an increase in anxiety because a new norm and a new reality of life at work needs to be implemented once again.

It’s now more important than ever, that companies, employers and employees make their own Mental Health, and the Mental Health of others within the workplace, a priority.

Individuals going back to work may feel an increase in feelings of Anxiety, Depression and fear because the physicality of a workplace does not merely entail an office at the end of the passage anymore, but in some cases, an entire building full of other individuals.

Business for South Africa (B4SA) partnered with SADAG and PsySSA to provide businesses with Mental Health support and guidelines for mental health during COVID19.

SADAG Corporate Webinar - Mental Health in the SA Workplace Webinar (6 August 2020)

• Ina Rothmann SADAG Corporate Webinae - Click Here
• Prof Stoffel Presentation - Click Here
• COVID-19 and Employee Mental Health: The reality behind the rhetoric - Click Here
• Live Recording Video - Click Here

Guidelines for Mental Health in the Workplace during COVID-19:

Business for South Africa (B4SA) partnered with SADAG and PsySSA to provide businesses with Mental Health support and guidelines for mental health during COVID19.

• To view the B4SA Mental Health for Business Briefing Webinar Recording - Click Here
• SADAG’s Guidelines for Business on Mental Health in the Workplace during COVID19 - Click Here

Relevant Press and Media Articles: 

• Read the Daily Maverick Article on the levels of stress South African Employees are experiencing - Click Here
• Read the Headtopics article on how South African Employees are at risk of developing Pre-TSD - Click Here
• Read the 94.7 article explain new research on South African Employees - Click Here
• Read the 94.7 article on Pre-tsd and south African employees - Click Here
• Read the spotlight article on the high levels of stress employees are facing - Click Here
• Read the FAnews article on the psychological impact of COVID-19 and how to stay healthy from the waist up - Click Here

Helpful Podcasts and other Online Resources: 

As we navigate our way through these difficult times, it has become clear that the mental challenges we face are common and the call for mental health support has increased exponentially. One of the positive things about this pandemic is that expert advice has become so much easily accessible. Experts give advice that could help you navigate these difficult times more effectively and successfully across multiple realms of current day living. Explore the links below for more info.

• Radio 702 have released various podcasts on How to Win at work and at Life during COVID-19 with Nikki Bush - Click Here
• Radio 702: World of Work: Managing toxic environment and individuals in the workplace with guest, Dawn Klatzko, who is a Business and Executive Coach - Click Here
• Discovery have also released various podcasts on living life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to listen to various topics on employees, employers and workplace circumstances here
• SADAG have released Helpful Tips to Manage Your Stress and Anxiety During This Time - Click Here
• Also see SADAG’s guidelines on Living with A Mental Illness and Coping During Covid-19 - Click Here
• MIND UK - Mental Health at Work Commitment guide for employers during coronavirus - Click Here

SADAG provides FREE telephonic counselling, support, information and nationwide referrals to Support Groups, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Clinics and more. Online resources such as brochures, articles and self-help videos can be found at www.sadag.org. 

To speak to a counsellor, call 0800 21 22 23 (7 days a week, 365 days a year, 8am - 8pm).