DPSS News Sept Oct 2020

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR Dear Team, E a c h o f u s

ZOOM FATIGUE? FIND WAYS TO DIAL DOWN ONLINE STRESS

c o n t i n u e s t o d i s c o v e r n e w chal lenges as we downshift from a full- blown crisis mode to the

‘new normal” in our daily routines. I am grateful for your consistent service to our existing customers and thousands of new households who are experiencing food, heal th, safety and housing insecurity due to COVID19. Our role as social service providers has always been one of great responsibility. Most of us pursue this work because we are committed to eliminating the social and economic barriers that can trap a family in poverty for generations. I do believe these unprecedented times come with unparalleled opportunities. The pandemic has brought health and economic suffering to so many of us. Persistent disparities in health care, employment, wages, housing, income and poverty have made the pandemic especially devastating to our nation’s historically underserved communities. The continuous quality improvement initiatives we are embarking upon now will empower our mission to improve lives and expand opportunities for all vulnerable, disadvantaged, oppressed and exploited people. I would ask that you embrace opportunities to participate in these initiatives as we focus our efforts on serving our communities and quality outcomes to all children, families and adults in need. Please be reminded to keep an extra eye and ear on our customers and loved ones in this virtual environment. I encourage all of us to go the extra mile to help individuals and families who are struggling to maneuver through this on- line environment. Sayori Baldwin, Director

Feeling Zoomed out? No worries! You’re not alone. Working from home is often viewed as a workplace privilege. But with millions now working remotely, a new occupational challenge has emerged. “Zoom fatigue.” It’s a catch-all phrase for the exhausted feeling that happens from hopping on one video conference call to the next. Symptoms include energy depletion, depression, cynicism and excessive stress or anxiety. One of the culprits behind Zoom fatigue –or video-call burnout—is that participants rely on visual cues to follow conversations during the meeting. Staring at a gallery view of multiple faces, with lag time, makes looking for those clues an enormous effort. External factors can also aggravate workplace burnout. Experts advise discussing your challenges with a supervisor, seeking support, getting exercise, adopting good sleep practices and participating in a relaxing activity. DPSS employees can use the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a free confidential service designed to assist with workplace and personal concerns. The toll-free number is (833) 954-1067.

Here are some pointers to prevent video call burnout:

How to alleviate job place burnout:

1. Keep meetings brief. 2. Try not to schedule back-to-back calls. 3. Take a break away from screen between meetings. 4. Focus on listening and taking notes by hand rather than doing “double screen duty”. 5. Make sure your home office feels different than your living space.

1. Discuss specific concerns with your supervisor. 2. Seek support.

3. Try a relaxing activity. 4. Get some exercise and sleep. 5. Practice Mindfulness

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RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES