Mass confinement orders like isolation and quarantine are new concepts for Americans that raise concern about how people will react individually and collectively. Psychosocial effects such as depression, anxiety, insomnia or loneliness are especially real concerns. The Kaiser Family Foundation notes that 53% of respondents indicated that pandemic-related stress had affected their mental health, up from 32% in March.

Everyone is being challenged by the pandemic—some who face a diagnosis and many others who feel the effects of isolation or quarantine orders. Although we may find ourselves physically separated from friends and family more than ever before, it is vital to find a way to remind ourselves and each other that we are not alone.

Supporting workers through difficult times 

A Human Resource Executive article challenged businesses and their HR departments to find ways to help make employees feel safe and confident in returning to the workplace. As companies develop and deploy return to worksite plans and put safety precautions in place,  benefits advisors employers need to ensure they have the right resources ready now to help address the emotional health of employees remotely and in the office.