Page 8 - May-June 2021 REPORTER

Insurance UPDATE

Contributed by:
lifeworks
(formerly Morneau
Shepell)

staying safe as an essential worker

he definition of a critical or essential worker has break rules and act inappropriately. This is not
Texpanded beyond who we would typically call about you. Look for support amongst your co-
during a crisis such as fires, flooding or other events workers and managers when issues arise. As hard
having a large-scale community impact. as it may be, keep your cool, and respond to and
In addition, not everyone has the ability to work guide them firmly but without anger. Anger can
from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some often escalate a situation, particularly for someone
people have jobs that cannot be done remotely who has already shown that they are given to
because of equipment they need for their job, or testing limits.
because they are an essential worker and are required
and expected to show up to work. You might also be concerned for your family:
You might have mixed emotions: happy to be • By following each of the points noted above, you
working and pleased with the gratitude that this are protecting you physical and emotional health,
being rightly bestowed on front-line which also benefits your family.
"Take pride in workers, but also concerned about your • Remind your family that you are doing your need to
own health and frustrated by those stay healthy.
what you are who do not follow the new rules. • Let your family share their concerns it will ensure
everyone is heard and that they are not worrying
doing for the First and foremost, remember what without you appreciating their concerns.
organization and you can control: • Provide your family with updates on the job
•
Abide by your employer’s policies
so they feel they can support you with better
the community." and practices related to COVID-19. understanding or explain why you do not want to
• Use the usual or the newly talk about your job such as you need a break from
established process for escalating the stress.
concerns. If a co-worker is the one breaking the
rules, speak to them. If the behaviour does not Your mental health is more important now than
change, speak to your supervisor. When you see a ever. You may feel more stress now than you would
risk, it is important to do something about it. normally. This is normal for such an unusual time, and
• Practice physical distancing and appropriate should not be underplayed. Talk with colleagues and
hygiene practices when at home and going back others in similar situations to support each other, or
and forth to work. speak with a mental health professional.
• Take pride in what you are doing for the Access your Wellbeing and Employee
organization and the community. Without your Assistance Program 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
contribution how would we support the role? at workhealthlife.com or login.lifeworks.com.
• Recognize that there will always be some who

8 LBMAO Reporter - May-June 2021 www.lbmao.on.ca