Mitigating stress in the practice

Tina Chander discusses ways to improve the way you work.

The coronavirus crisis has undoubtedly increased anxiety levels for almost everyone, but workplace stress remains an issue, with dental practice employees likely to be amongst the most affected given the higher risk of infection related to aerosol-generating procedures.

Apart from the risk of infection, maintaining good mental health during the current crisis will be critical, with Public Health England offering guidance to help individuals manage their mental health.

The UK’s leading mental health charities are also expanding their support services, which practice managers may wish to inform colleagues about, if they have not already done so.

There are good reasons for a business to try and mitigate stress in the workplace, starting with their duty of care towards their employees, particularly given the current situation. It’s also important to note that businesses failing to act may face a slew of workplace personal injury claims.

The staggered return to work for most practices began in earnest in June, yet self-isolation and quarantine remain common themes and there are likely to be a significant number of individuals struggling to cope with extended periods of loneliness.