Mighty Puriri( Supporting yourself and your team)

 Coronavirus: supporting yourself and your team

We know that many of us are worrying about the current situation around coronavirus and how it might affect our lives. We'll likely be working from home for longer periods of time to help keep us all safe during the coronavirus outbreak. Therefore, we must recognise how it may affect our mental health and ensure we are taking care of ourselves and our colleagues.   

1. Maintain a positive work/life balance and encourage your team to do the same 

It's easy to work longer hours and take fewer breaks when working from home. Why not put a reminder in your diary when you plan to finish working? You can also make sure you take at least a 30-minute lunch break. If you can, try to get some fresh air and go for a short walk.  You must look after your own well-being so you can also be there to support your team.   

2. Check in with team members regularly  

Working from home can be isolating; ensure you and your team have regular check-ins virtually. Find an online tool that works for your team whether it's Microsoft Teams, a conference call facility like Skype or by phone. Make sure these regular check-ins are scheduled in advance with your team members: have some daily scheduled chat time with each of them and regular time in the diary as a team.  

3. Establish new ways of working 

Working remotely will require consideration as to how you will deliver work as a team - what collaborative working platforms will be used, how you will communicate and how you support each other through challenges. Some of it might be trial and error so it is also important to think about how you will reflect on what's working and what isn't.  

4. Ask your team to create Wellness Action Plans 

This is an uncertain and worrisome time for many and your team may need additional support. Why not encourage your team to complete a Wellness Action Plan and encourage them to share this with you. If they already have one then it would be helpful to review in light of recent developments and changes. 

5. Take advantage of technology 

Use the MEET link or other communication/collaborative working platforms to connect with colleagues and work together. It's can also be good idea to use a range of technologies so you're not always typing or looking at a screen – switch things up with a telephone call or video call so you can see someone face to face.  

6. Encourage your team to use the support tools available 

Whatever wellbeing support your organisation has available, make sure your team knows about it and how to access it.