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MENTAL HEALTH AMID A PANDEMIC
real consequences of Ghosting Employers
25 Ag & Food CAreer guide
by Kristine Penning, Creative Marketing Specialist
SINCE THE PANDEMIC, mental health
has taken on a new perspective to
businesses, and agriculture and food
employers are stepping up. In a recent
survey conducted by ,
over 50% of the employees participating
said that their employers have
specifically addressed mental health in
the workplace during the times of the
pandemic. This realization that maybe
more of us are experiencing these
negative impacts because of the
uncertain times has made the
conversations around mental health
easier.
Addressing Mental Health:
Whether you are a student or a young
professional, how you show up and
address your own mental health will set
an example for those around you.
In a recent article from Inc. they
talked about “COVID Brain.” While it isn’t
exactly a mental health condition, it is an
outcome of additional stress, sleep
deprivation due to worry, anxiety, or
other mental health triggers. COVID
Brain is really about focus or lack thereof
caused by the pandemic.
This article provided some practical
tips that are so relevant for wherever you
find yourself in this pandemic journey.
1. Rethink your stress. Focus on
thinking with a positive mindset. Almost
like we will our body’s response to stress
based on how we think about it. The
author, Jessica Stillman, mentioned that
time and self-compassion are key.
2. Chill out with the right tunes.
Research shows that music can influence
a person’s mood. Calm or upbeat music
might be what you need to regain that
focus.
3. Mindfulness. Seems like a
“buzzword” but again research proves
that things like meditation, intentional
breathing, and taking breaks work.
People struggling with mental health
are all around–at school, at work, in your
community. Maybe you yourself are
struggling, whether because of
COVID or some other underlying
challenge. Being able to speak up
and communicate without stigma is a
continual road. Perhaps the heightened
awareness and conversation due to the
pandemic is one good thing COVID can
do for us! AG
QUICK READS
“GHOSTING,” ORIGINALLY A TERM
used to describe the lack of response
from someone via text or a messaging
app, has spilled over into the working
world with employers and employees
“ghosting” each other during the hiring
process. Though ghosting certainly
goes both ways and some employers
unfortunately never respond to
candidates, ghosting can be one of the
worst things you can do professionally.
When You Don’t Get the Job: When
you get word that you did not get the
job you interviewed for, you’re likely to
experience an array of negative emotions
including disappointment and even anger.
Your gut reaction may be to just blow
off the employer. However, if they have
taken the time to interview and consider
you as a candidate, the least you can
do is to reply with, “Thank you for the
opportunity.” It will reflect poorly on you
to not respond at all, and employers will
remember that.
When You Get the Job: It is mind-
boggling to employers when they send
the exciting news that you have gotten
the job you interviewed for, and then
you suddenly fall off the face of the
earth. It’s likely the employer will feel
angry and bewildered, as you would if
you never heard back after an interview.
This feeling won’t soon be forgotten,
and employers will certainly remember
you as the candidate who ghosted them
and put them in a difficult position.
You might have “reasonable”
intentions for ghosting such as waiting to
see if you got another job you applied to.
But respond regardless of the situation.
It’s okay to graciously decline a job offer,
and it’s definitely preferable over not
responding at all. If you need some time
to think, just ask for it.
How Ghosting Can Hurt Your Career:
The agricultural industry is tight-knit.
What are the chances that you attend a
conference and cross paths with the
employer you ghosted? Furthermore,
employers in agriculture regularly
network with colleagues across the
industry. What if your name comes up
in conversation as someone a fellow
employer is considering?
Ultimately, ghosting is never a good
idea and will label you as unprofessional
and immature. Respond in a graceful way
that does not burn bridges or damage
your professional reputation. AG
by Erika Osmundson, Director of Marketing & Communications
Source: Neuroscientist: Covid Brain Is Real. Here’s How to Deal With It, Inc. Authored by:
Jessica Stillman;
real-thing-heres-how-to-deal-with-it.html?utm_source=incthismorning