1. Employee Zone
  2. Wellbeing
  3. Staying safe & well during COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
  4. Staying safe & well during COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Staying safe & well during COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

It is important that we look after ourselves by staying safe and well during these challenging times.  We all have a responsibility to look after our own safety, mental and physical wellbeing.  This guide aims to provide you with helpful information to support your wellbeing.

You should:

  • Continue to practice safe hygiene guidance and social distancing.
  • Make sure you take regular breaks when at work. 
  • Try to eat healthy food, go for a walk or sit outside.
  • At work offer or ask for help if needed.
  • Outwith work try to do an activity that helps you relax.

Going Home Checklist

The following check list aims to help those employees to reflect on their day and where applicable leave work in work.  This is relevant if you are out in the community, in your usual workplace or homeworking.  It is important to remember the positive aspects of the day and to then ‘switch off’ from work.

going home checklist

Homeworking

There are some helpful How to guides in the Smart Working for the future and the Homeworking sections of this Employee Zone.

Further resources:

  • The National Wellbeing Hub has been established to help health and social care workers and carers look after their physical and mental health.
  • The Health & Safety Executive have created a short video on setting up a temporary workstation and provided guidance on working safely with display screen equipment.
  • The Scottish Government has launched Parent Club providing tips, ideas and reassurance to those looking after children.
  • There is support for carers on the Care Information Scotland website.
  • The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) have produced a short guide to working from home.　
  • The Mental Health Foundation has produced advice on looking after your mental health while working during the coronavirus outbreak.
  • MIND has good advice for managers to support both themselves and their team.

Sleep

Getting a good sleep is crucial for feeling mentally and physically healthy. We all feel better after a good sleep. Think about creating a consistent routine to ensure you get the amount of sleep you need, but also about ensuring your bedroom is quiet, dark, and a relaxing environment to sleep in.

It is important that you allow yourself to wind down before bedtime. This could include not using social media or your phone an hour before bed, taking a bath or reading.

If possible, try to maintain your normal routine. This means going to bed at the same time and waking at the same time.

Online support:
•    NHS Inform – How to get to sleep
•    Mind - How to cope with sleep problems

Useful Websites