astra domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/studyfoxx/public_html/proactivetraining.com.au/news/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121COVID-19 has impacted nearly 7 million people worldwide. More than half of those infected live in the United States. As a consequence, the days of spending 40 hours and more per week in confined office spaces, interacting face-to-face with numerous co-workers, may no longer be practical—at least until a vaccine or treatment has been proven effective. In response, we have created a “new normal” that demands staying at home and limiting our physical interactions with co-workers.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The impact and pressures generated by this new normal can put individual employees’ mental health at risk, which is why Uponor North America (UNA), an Apple Valley, MN-based pipe manufacturer, opted for a proactive approach to provide employees access to various well-being programs, including professional mental health solutions. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Caring for Two Employee Groups<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n In early March 2020, UNA office employees began transitioning from working in the office to working at home. During this stunning and unprecedented transition, employees were compelled to balance personal, family, and professional responsibilities in very different ways.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The ability to work from home can be a convenient and highly attractive benefit for many employees. However, in a crisis, the demands of taking care of children, caring for loved ones and neighbors, even sharing a limited space with a spouse can generate too much change—resulting in a volume of stress that can take a heavy toll on mental health. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n UNA must operate 24\/7 to meet customer demands in its various markets in the United States and Canada. While 2 in 5 company employees were able to work from home during the spring 2020 lockdown, the remaining fraction had to report to work in the company’s two Minnesota production plants and three distribution center in the U.S. and Canada.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n To ensure factory floor employees and other personnel felt safe coming to work, UNA developed multiple protocols and care programs, while also providing a safe and clean environment for plant and distribution center personnel. The company also granted additional paid leave options to eliminate any reluctance to stay at home when not feeling well or possible exposure. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Proactive Approach<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Due to the mandated closure of so many resources—including healthcare facilities—during the pandemic, the availability of professional therapeutic relief was severely limited and even, in some quarters, nonexistent. This situation inevitably increased anxiety, stress, and depression, further compounding the lack of information and coping mechanisms to address symptoms effectively.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Through weekly surveys of employees, supervisors, and managers, UNA provided a safe environment for discussing and learning about the mental health resources and the available benefits.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n