This article is the second in a three-part series from Rebecca David, Vice President, Human Resources, addressing how to work through a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. This installment features resources on how to manage stress.

For many of us, our work situation has changed drastically in the last few weeks. As the novel coronavirus has made its way, devastatingly, around the globe, we’re having to readjust not only our schedules and day-to-day workflows, but also our list of priorities. This kind of change can obviously be difficult psychologically.

We’re having to work differently; we’re concerned about our customers and the economic implications of this worldwide pandemic; and we’re not entirely sure when, or if, things will return to “normal.”

How do we manage stress and overcome anxiety in this volatile situation?

The Human Resources team at U.S. Engineering Company Holdings compiled some resources we’ve found helpful from the CDC, LinkedIn Learning, the Center for Creative Leadership and others that can help us navigate this disruption. We shared these resources with U.S. Engineering teams internally, but they can be useful in any industry.

In Part 1 of our three-part series we shared resources on how to lead during crisis, and Part 3 will offer tips on working remotely. This article shares resources on how to manage stress.

1

For leaders and managers, Quantum Workplace curated an excellent guide to engaging your team members right now, “Managing Employee Emotions During the COVID-19 Pandemic.” At a time when worry, concern, fear and anxiety are not only present, but often in the driver’s seat, this guide offers helpful suggestions on how to acknowledge, understand and manage your team’s emotional culture. The content includes tips on how to decrease stress and anxiety among your teams and how to coach your managers on how to handle situations when inner turmoil boils over.

2

Another resource is a free video course, “Managing Stress for Positive Change,” from LinkedIn Learning. In short clips on various topics, integrative neuroscientist Heidi Hanna, PhD, talks about ways to understand and use stress to create useful outcomes rather than to fuel anxiety.

3

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been an invaluable resource for information on the spread, treatment and evolving knowledge of the coronavirus. The CDC also offers an excellent resource on dealing with stress specifically stemming from the outbreak.

4

Finally, therapist Kati Morton offers tools for coping with stress during this moment in a short, practical and helpful video.