Even as they strive to keep their employees safe, contractors should also consider their workers' mental health, experts say.

A study done by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) on March 25 found that more than one-third of Americans (36%) say coronavirus is having a serious impact on their mental health, and most (59%) feel coronavirus is having a serious impact on their day-to-day lives. Most adults are concerned that the coronavirus will have a serious negative impact on their finances (57%), and almost half are worried about running out of food, medicine, and/or supplies. Two-thirds of Americans (68%) fear that the coronavirus will have a long-lasting impact on the economy.

“In dealing with COVID-19, it’s important to formalize the fact that we are all experiencing some level of anxiety, loneliness and isolation,” explains Darcy Gruttadaro, J.D., director of the Center for Workplace Mental Health, American Psychiatric Association Foundation. “Normalizing these feelings helps people feel comfortable in sharing their feelings. And if the top leadership is open as well, it helps create a culture that can address mental health issues.”The problem with ignoring these issues, says Gruttadaro, is that it can lead to chronic levels of mental illness such as anxiety, depression and other serious mental health problems. Read More >