Aim

The main aim of this study was to understand what health and wellbeing initiatives are helpful for healthcare workers’ stress and psychological distress during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Background

Healthcare workers are at increased risk of poor mental health during health emergencies; understanding support required for healthcare workers’ is of paramount importance.

Methods

Participants were healthcare workers at a health and social care organisation (N = 159). The study included an online questionnaire including an evaluation of health and wellbeing initiatives and measures of perceived stress and psychological distress.

Results

The highest rated resources were counselling, personal protective equipment (PPE), and Covid-19 testing. Those who accessed yoga reported significantly less stress and psychological distress than those who did not access yoga.

Conclusions

Healthcare workers with higher stress and psychological distress felt less supported by their organisation, less listened to and less involved in organisational decisions.

Implications for Nursing Management

Practical implications are discussed such as forward planning for health emergencies (e.g., PPE supply), accessible Covid-19 testing as well as budgeting for counselling services and exercise classes. In addition, targeted support for those diagnosed with Covid-19 is recommended, alongside involvement of staff members in organisational decisions.