This presentation, developed for all employee staff and delivered on October 12, 2020 helps to show that we are all affected by COVID-19 in our daily lives in ways that we may not recognize. This presentation addresses the specifics about where we are on a larger scale with how we are each responding to this pandemic emotionally and physically at home and in the workplace. hear from the Department of Health’s Dr. Kira Mauseth on promoting personal, team and workplace resilience during COVID-19. What you'll hear covered:

• Common neurological and physical responses 
• Common symptoms and experiences 
• Challenges over the next few months 
• And what can be done to prevent burnout and increase resilience  

Specific ideas will be shared about how to communicate and interact more effectively with others in the context of COVID-19, and how to increase our own sense of strength and resilience. 

Here’s a few takeaways :  

• Active listening. Not listening to respond, but truly listening to what someone is trying to tell you. Curious about what that means? Check out the video at the 28:00 mark. 
• Emergency responders and other “can do” people like the team at WSDOT are not immune to being affected by the stress associated with the pandemic and related issues.  
• Professionals use all the tools in the tool box. Please avail yourself of the resources available to you.  
• You are not alone. We are not alone. We are all struggling in our own way and need our own recipe to manage the day-to-day and be resilient. Walking and exercise helps me a lot – about 50 miles a week and 30 minutes daily rain or shine. It helps clear my head, prepare for the day and concentrate. That may not work for you and that’s ok! Try different things and find what sticks.  

Dr. Mauseth returned to provide an update during an all-staff webinar Feb. 9, 2021. She discussed the science behind the emotional and physical responses many of us are experiencing, the importance of focusing on resiliency by staying connected, adjusting your expectations and engaging in active listening.

At the request of several employees, Dr. Mauseth has also shared her Feb. 9 presentation (pdf 774 kb).

if you need assistance, Employee Assistance Program resources are available to help.