While Covid-19 has led to an increase in mental health problems, companies and employees are trying to find a balance between the isolation and loneliness caused by excessive and prolonged telework, and the health risks incurred in the event of return, even punctual, in the workplace.
Employees pay the high price of the health crisis in terms of health. According to a study published by Fellowes, 33% of workers feel stressed or anxious, and more than a third feel lonely and isolated*. An alarming observation which is due on the one hand to the non-chosen nature of remote work and on the other hand to a situation initially perceived as temporary… and of which there is no end in sight. Physical health is not spared, with the discomfort of the “home” workstation – often the sofa or the dining room table, devoid of the ergonomics of a real office – the sitting position, the sedentary lifestyle and the onset of musculoskeletal problems in the neck, shoulders, back, wrists and legs. More than 4 out of 5 active people claim to have had back pain during or after work, according to BVA.
Within organizations, human resources departments and departments must therefore deal with the imperatives of social distancing and the well-being of their teams, which is essential for maintaining the motivation and productivity of the troops. Technological progress and the relaxation of rules related to teleconsultation seem to be introducing new sustainable uses among employees and employers. A finding that is all the more urgent since, according to Deloitte, 80% of employees said in 2019 that they wanted their company to take measures to promote mental well-being. Here are 5 platforms that aim to improve the well-being of workers, even (and especially) remotely.
Weasyo
Weasyo is an e-physiotherapy site and mobile application. The site provides information on the causes and consequences musculoskeletal pain most frequently felt, as well as a multitude of advice in physiotherapy, sport, fitness, health, well-being and nutrition, provided by professional physiotherapists. The application gives employees access to MSD prevention programs, therapeutic solutions, allows the employer to guarantee the physical and mental health of workers, by providing occupational risk prevention actions, information and training … which go beyond the legal framework.
Alan
Alan is a 100% online company mutual. The French start-up decided in October 2020 to recruit its own doctors to offer a secure medical chat, which can be reached at any time by its members. The principle: talk for free with a general practitioner and ask everyday health questions via secure messaging or video teleconsultation, with the mobile application… even on Sundays. The Alan Map service, an interactive map, also allows you to find an approved doctor or a laboratory near your home. Finally, the application provides smart prevention reminders, such as appointments not to be missed, like vaccines. The platform recently announced the launch of Alan Baby, a medical chat with early childhood experts to help young parents.
SharZen
Created by Solène Brost, SharZen is a platform for direct contact between liberal psychologists and company employees. It offers a psychological support service for employees which allows them to choose their own psychologist. The platform lists 200 liberal psychologists and the patient can choose the form, face-to-face or remotely, that suits him. The sessions are paid for by the employer. In 2021, SharZen will expand its offer and now offers its clients organizational coaching and executive coaching, with a team of HEC-certified coaches who are experts in their fields.
My Sherpa
The app My Sherpa is a psychological support chatbot to help people with symptoms of anxiety, stress, depression or sleep problems on a daily basis, by offering them tailor-made activity trails. Co-created by Dr Fanny Jacq, mental health director of Qare and psychiatrist, as well as researchers from the CNRS and the Institute of Brain and Spinal Cord (ICM) of La Pitié Salpêtrière, the application identifies the profile of the user, his emotional and physical state, directs him towards a path of activities and offers a follow-up of the evolution of his mood and his emotions. Since the end of January, it has also offered a dedicated and completely free course for students, other collateral victims of the health crisis.
mocha care
mocha care is a comprehensive platform to help companies take charge of the professional and personal mental well-being of their teams. It offers support from psychologists, certified coaches and selected therapists. Individual sessions or group workshops, enriched with feedback and concrete advice on teleworking, parenthood, or stress management, Moka care also offers digital resources accessible to all, such as videos to learn more about mind and emotions, articles, podcasts and regular newsletters that provide practical advice.
Upfeel.io
Created by Jonathan Ferrebeuf, Upfeel (“to feel better”) is a platform dedicated to employee mental well-being. It offers psychological support or personal development with certified psychologists or coaches. Everything is taken care of by the employer. Depending on their needs (anxiety, stress, bereavement, etc.), the employee chooses whom to consult from a list of 30 professionals. Remotely or face-to-face, discussions will remain strictly confidential. On this 360° platform, employees also have the opportunity to consult in-depth and thematic articles on mental health, written by experts.
*Online survey of 1,000 French office workers who have been working from home for at least four months
Read also:
- Telework: “This time saved must be used to fill something that we lack on a daily basis”
- Work and Covid-19: talking about your problems is already solving them
- Why working out on a swiss ball is good for your back
- Alcoholism: “isolation, anxiety and always this alcohol at hand, are all reasons that can make you dive again”
- Telecommuting: is it efficient when working in pajamas?
