COVID-19: Resources Page

While The Good Doctors are NOT medical professionals, we are people professionals.

There are many resources out there for how to physically respond to COVID-19 (see below),

but we wanted to offer some of our thoughts on the emotional side of things. 


(UPDATED FEBRUARY 2020)

The Good Doctors COVID-19 Webinars

Over the course of March 2020 we held 4 webinars on COVID related issues. We conducted research and asked critical questions relating to business changes, social changes, emotional changes, and remote management. We hope these webinars can be a useful resource for leaders and managers moving forward. 

Long-Term Effects and Trauma from COVID-19

When we first built this page in March 2020, we had no idea how long the pandemic would last. Having passed the 1-year anniversary with no end in sight, we've started collecting resources on the long-term effects of the pandemic, and coping with the ongoing trauma of lockdowns and forced isolation. 

Here are some of the resources we've found recently:

  • Women (especially women of color) have been disproportionately impacted with job loss. Here's a series of cartoons explaining why. 
  • The NY Times did a whole interactive analysis of the impact of the pandemic on women called The Primal Scream. 
  • A sobering analysis of how a year without touch can effect our mental health. 
  • A few interesting points on why pandemic fatigue may be stronger now that good news is on the horizon. 
  • Though this article is specific to Northern Ireland, it's important to consider the impact of the pandemic on children.
  • If you know someone who was on a ventilator as a result of COVID, it's worth reading this data on PTSD.

Coming Soon in 2021: The Good Doctors workshop on Boundary Setting and Self-Care During COVID-19!

Below you'll find a list of essential resources and our tips and advice for 

both employers and employees during these challenging times. 

Here's our ongoing list of helpful sources:

For Employers:


1) Remote working can feeling overwhelming if you've never done it before (we like this article on helpful tips for starting remote work). If you're in manufacturing or a service profession, it may not be possible. However, if it is, it's one of the best ways we can slow the spread of the virus. Here are our recommendations for remote working relationships. 

  • Clear communication: Make sure your employees know what is expected of them and what is expected of you. This includes remote time clocks, if necessary. We would recommend scheduling a daily video conference to give updates on policy changes, tasks, projects, and other relevant information. TechAgainstCoronavirus has an updated list of tech to use for various remote working needs. Document everything, and have a clear justification for any changes you have to make. 
  • Maintain boundaries: If you did not expect your employees to answer emails at 2am before, you cannot expect them to do it now. If previous boundaries need to change as a function of work, make sure you clearly communicate these changes (both in verbal and written form). 
  • Be realistic and empathetic: These are not normal remote working conditions. Schools are closed, as are care homes. Many of your employees will have other responsibilities. Be pragmatic about the limitations on yourself, your employees, and our economy at this time. 
  • Give your folks a break: recent statistics on the state of remote work in 2020 show that remote workers overwhelming want a day a week without Zoom meetings, and want a day a week without meetings at all. We all face different realities and pressures from working from home - a good leader factors that into their structure for remote workers. (Learn more from our friends at Owl Labs with their comprehensive report.)

2) Check your sick leave policy IMMEDIATELY.

  • If your employees contract COVID-19 at work, the new OSHA guidelines state that anyone who has employees who are at high risk should implement safety standards to remain in compliance. 
  • Additionally, if employees feel compelled to come to work to earn their pay even if they're sick, then the virus will continue to spread, more people will become exposed, and more people will become ill.

3) Be intentional when you bring folks back to on-site work. 

  • Every industry, location, job will have different health and safety requirements for return to on-site, in-person work. Make sure you are consistent and clear in your communication with your staff. 
  • Many workforces are leaning toward a hybrid model of both remote and on-site work, but implementing a successful hybrid model takes a lot of work. Think about how you will build and maintain culture, especially during constantly evolving regulations and requirements from local, state, and national authorities. 
  • Start building mental health support structures now. At the time of this writing we have passed the 1-year anniversary of the start of the pandemic in the United States. Though we are making progress with treatment and vaccine distribution, it will be a long time (if ever) before our lives return to close to what we knew. Your people will need help coping with the stress, trauma, grief, frustration, sadness, and anger resulting from this protracted situation. Know your mental health policies, communicate them clearly, and adapt when necessary. 

For Employees:

  • Do not go to work if you are sick. If you do not have paid sick leave at your facility, we apologize and we hope you can advocate for that in these trying times. However, if you do have sick leave - this is when you use it.
  • Do not spread misinformation or fuel panic. This includes on social media and verbally in your workplace.

For All Humans:

  • Practice social distancing - this will be difficult. Life as we know it will be significantly disrupted. However, with a current lack of adequate testing capabilities, the only way we can slow the spread and flatten the curve (see this helpful explanation here) is to minimize our interactions with other humans.
  • Don't panic buy - in situations like these it can be human nature to want to overstock on necessary supplies. Remember that other people are also trying to stay prepared and try to buy only what you need. Most guidelines are suggesting you have enough supplies on hand to last a two-week self-isolation should you become sick or suspect you are sick.
  • Be aware that this pandemic is taking a large emotional toll, even beyond the loss of life for many. Dreams are dying right now - student athletes are not playing their championships, people are not having their weddings, funerals and celebrations of life are not being held. The grief that goes with this is real and should be recognized. While joking may help you cope, be aware that for many this time is emotional and hard, even if they've not been exposed to the physical virus.
  • Support local businesses! Going out to eat right now goes against any attempt to flatten the curve of the pandemic, but your favorite small cafe probably offers gift certificates. Buy some now to use later - their books will balance easier and you can enjoy it when social distancing is lifted. If you're going to order takeout, order from a local business. Shop local if you can for grocery items - larger corporations will have more money to support the economic downturn and many small businesses may have to lay off workers or close their doors. 

We intend for this page to serve as a collection of resources to help any small business or non profit (or human) through this very difficult time. We will continue to update the page for resources as necessary. We wish you all the best, please don't hesitate to get in touch below if we can be of any further help. 

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