Dive Brief:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its checklist for construction employers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has asked contractors to consider the mental health and wellbeing of their workers.
The CDC’s checklist encourages employers to talk openly with employees about how the pandemic is affecting work; communicate clear expectations; anticipate behavior changes in employees, such as irritation, anger, increased sadness or difficulty concentrating; and ensure that there is a system in place to identify and provide mental health services to employees in need of support.
The CDC noted that the pandemic has negatively affected employee mental health for several reasons, including having concerns about the risk of being exposed to the virus, conflict at home, lack of relaxation time, uncertainty about the future and adapting to a changing work schedule.