We’re now well into year two of the ongoing pandemic and honestly, people are getting sick of it. That’s certainly true of people who work in the healthcare field but although they’re the ones on the front lines and subject to the greatest impacts, they’re certainly not the only ones being affected as outlined in this fascinating article. Here are a few highlights:
- Fully 78% of all the people who responded to the survey cited by the study reported that their mental health had been negatively impacted by the pandemic.
- More than 80% of workers in the US report that they’re stressed out, and this figure is even higher for working moms, who have to balance work and home life with the challenges of finding childcare during a pandemic – not an easy task.
- At the start of the pandemic, a hefty 42% of workers reported feeling burnt out. Now, more than a year into the pandemic, that number has skyrocketed to 75%.
- More than 40% of survey respondents reporting having experienced at least one mental or behavioral issue since the pandemic began, with anxiety and depression being the two most commonly reported.
If the statistics above weren’t grim enough, here are some additional highlights:
- Younger workers appear to be the hardest hit on the mental health front, with the percentage of workers reporting mental health issues being broken down as follows:
- Ages 22-25: 89%
- Ages 26-37: 83%
- Ages 38-54: 73%
- And ages 55 to 74: 62%
The individual statistics are bad enough, but when you begin piecing them together, a picture begins to emerge that’s both terrifying and depressing. The global workforce is in deep trouble and the United States is by no means immune. People everywhere are beginning to feel the strain, and companies of all shapes and sizes are scrambling to find solutions. To find some way of taking a little of the pressure off of the employees that ultimately make our entire economy function.
Some of the largest companies with incredibly deep pockets are expanding insurance coverage to make sure it includes mental health provisions.
That’s great for them, but most small to medium sized businesses can’t afford such luxuries. One solution that many smaller companies have turned to is starting, or building on their existing employee award and recognition program.
If you have one, maybe it’s time to kick it into high gear and start doing more with it. If you’re in the market for low-priced awards and gifts to show your appreciation with, start here, with our website. We have an expansive array of products, so you’re sure to find something for every taste and preference, and there’s something for every budget too.
Whether your recognition program is just starting out and struggling to find its footing, or already a well-established, well-oiled machine, one can never have too many options for gits and awards, and we have some of the best you’ll find anywhere. Keep us in mind and remember, we’re constantly expanding our product line, so every month, you’ll find something new.
It’s not a perfect solution, but showing your employees how much you care about them and appreciate their efforts will go a surprising distance toward taking the edge off of the stress, and that’s a very good thing.