Discovery Podcasts - COVID-19 and the changing world of work
Dr Colinda Linde: How to manage our response to COVD-19 as we return to the workplace
Clinical psychologist, Dr Colinda Linde, explains the emotional intricacies of returning to work after lockdown, and overturning fear and stigma related to COVID-19. Some may feel fear in the face of interaction with colleagues who have contracted or been exposed to COVID-19. But if we allow stigma and discrimination in the face of COVID-19, we will cause people to hide their symptoms or deter them from seeking medical help. How can we all respond to support each other to stay safe and healthy in the workplace, going forward?
We’re returning to a much-changed workplace. Here’s what you can expect and how to adapt.
When we return to work, we will enter a new space on many levels. We are entering unchartered territory. There is bound to be some discomfort as we adapt to changed fundamentals in the way in which we greet each other; the way in which we interact; share communal spaces, laptops, pens, meeting rooms and more. Many things we once took for granted can no longer be done mindlessly. We will also need to interact while wearing masks, removing unspoken facial cues from the interaction and making communication harder. So many facets of work life have changed. Clinical psychologist Sheethal Behari, who practices at PsychMatters in Johannesburg, shares practical advice on the changes we can expect to deal with, and tools on how to manage these new scenarios.
Have you been retrenched, or lost your job? Re-think your skills
Losing a job means losing income, security, purpose and more. Clinical psychologist, Dr Colinda Linde says it’s to expected that when we are faced with this sort of situation, we will go through stages of grieving. She clarifies what to expect emotionally and physically as well as how to better cope. Then, she inspires us to really think about our skills in new ways that could open up avenues we haven’t before thought to consider.
Are you a leader or managing having to let people go?
The COVID-19 pandemic has come upon us quickly and threatens both our survival as people, but also that of organisations and businesses large and small. Many people have already faced salary cuts or job losses Clinical psychologist, Dr Colinda Linde knows that many business owners and leaders are now faced with letting go of staff. They also face the anxiety and fear of job loss themselves. How should leaders cope with the decisions that must be made, and how should they communicate these decisions to their staff?
How to manage our response to COVD-19 as we return to the workplace
Clinical psychologist, Dr Colinda Linde, explains the emotional intricacies of returning to work after lockdown, and overturning fear and stigma related to COVID-19. Some may feel fear in the face of interaction with colleagues who have contracted or been exposed to COVID-19. But if we allow stigma and discrimination in the face of COVID-19, we will cause people to hide their symptoms or deter them from seeking medical help. How can we all respond to support each other to stay safe and healthy in the workplace, going forward?
The way we work has changed for good! What can you expect?
COVID-19 has facilitated dramatic changes in the way we work. Psychologist James Gower has extensive experience in employee wellness programs. He shares insights for every employee and employer into the pros and cons of remote or in-office work, going forward. What lessons have we learned from the flexibility that has been required, during lockdown? Remote employees have avoided long commutes and found more time to use productively. We have removed the distractions typical of an open-plan office and meetings now need to be more carefully considered. However, there are also challenges at hand and the changing world of work require adaptability on all our parts. How should we navigate this?