Coaching your team through lockdown fatigue

Lockdown fatigue is a term that is becoming a part of our every-day discussions. It’s referring to the tiredness and strains that we are feeling because of the restrictions being placed on us. And the multiple demands that we are facing. With our largest States in a hard lockdown, ‘lockdown fatigue’ is likely setting in for your teams. Furthermore, if you aren’t in lockdown, chances are that you’re working with people or teams that are.

Humans are not designed to thrive in lockdown conditions. Consequently, it’s no surprise that the strain of lockdowns is influencing our mental health. This includes our approach to work interactions and how we deal with challenges on the home front.

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What are the signs of lockdown fatigue?

We asked the Open Door Alumni what lock down looks like or feels like to them and their teams. Here’s what they said:

Feels like ground-hog day or week
Lost reality of time
Limited opportunities for positive escapism (for example getting out in nature)
Lack of concentration
Extended blurring of lines between work and home
Sense of languishing
Trying to manage multiple things at the same time, work calls, kids home schooling, heaps of chores! With all the worlds merging into one.
Not knowing where the end is or even what the end will be
Being unable to plan for the future on a personal level – what will it look like.
The strong need for a holiday but not in the same four walls!!

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Add to this the sense of tiredness and uncertainty. And it is no wonder people are feeling unmotivated and less productive at work. Furthermore, there’s guilt that comes wanting to high achieve or hit goals, but not feeling motivated.

So how do we coach our teams through lockdown fatigue?

Well most importantly, it’s about checking in with people. Furthermore, checking in on yourself. Because as leaders, many are carrying an extra load of making sure their teams are ok and have everything they need. Whilst at the same time, dealing with our own work and home life challenges.

You can check out the webinar for coaching tools. These tools feature in our Certificate IV in Workplace and Business Coaching (10834NAT). You can also increase your skills and awareness of mental health by attending our nationally acclaimed Mental Health First Aid Training.

However, in addition, we can make sure that:

goals are realistic
the workload is equitably spread
we focus on strong communication
people are encouraged to speak up and ask for help
team members log off at the end of the business day, rather than extending the hours
keeping up basic things like eating well and exercising.

Reach out for help

To look after others, we all know that we must look after ourselves. With this in mind, if you or someone you know needs assistance there are numbers below to contact.

Furthermore, at the press conference today, Victoria’s Chief Psychiatrist addressed the rising concern over the impact of lockdowns on child mental health. He advised families to reach out to the school community and resources like Kids Helpline.

If you or anyone you know needs help:

Lifeline on 13 11 14
Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
DirectLine Victoria drug/alcohol counselling on 1800 888 236
MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
Yarning SafeNStrong on 1800 95 95 63
Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
Headspace on 1800 650 890
ReachOut at au.reachout.com
Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) on 1800 008 774
HeadtoHelp on 1800 595 212
Brother to Brotheron 1800 435 799

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