G'day G'day! So, in today we are going to talk about organisations of all sizes and across industries that face a looming threat of cybercrimes and data breaches. These incidents are well known for the losses they cause as well, as the damage they inflict on a company's reputation. However, what often goes unnoticed is the toll it takes on the emotional well-being of employees. It has been widely studied that cyber breaches can significantly impact employee's mental health resulting in stress levels increased anxiety and even reliance on medication. So, next, we will delve into some of the consequences of cyber breaches on employee well-being and explore strategies that organisations can adopt to provide support to their workforce during these challenging times.
The Impact on Employee Well-being.
Cyber breaches can deeply affect employee's emotional and mental well-being. According to a survey conducted by professionals in Security Operations Solutions.
Relationships: A staggering 76% of employees revealed that their relationships were adversely affected following a cyber breach incident. The stress and anxiety stemming from events can spill over into relationships causing strain and tension.
Missed Events: 30% of employees reported missing family events due, to the aftermath of a cyber breach incident. The pressure to resolve the situation and the extra workload can make it challenging for employees to find time for commitments.
Holiday Cancellations: 27% of employees had to cancel their holidays due to a cyber breach. Dealing with the breach and minimising its impact often becomes a priority over taking time off.
Increased Workload: Around 32% of employees mentioned working to address the aftermath of a cyber breach. The urgency to resolve the situation can lead to hours. Increased stress for employees.
Additional Stress: 33% of employees experienced levels of stress following a cyber breach. The fear of attacks and the pressure to prevent incidents can have an impact on employee's mental well-being.
Considering Quitting; A striking 65% of employees admitted considering leaving their jobs after experiencing a cyber breach. The emotional strain and feeling overwhelmed can push them towards seeking employment
Medication Usage: 51% of employees turned to medication as a coping mechanism for health decline caused by a cyber breach. The psychological impact of incidents can be severe, sometimes requiring intervention.
Work Performance Challenges: Around 64% of employees reported facing difficulties, in accomplishing their work tasks following a cyber breach.
The emotional weight and distractions linked to the incident can hinder productivity and concentration.
These statistics emphasise the impact that cyber breaches can have on the well-being of employees. It is crucial for organisations to acknowledge and address these concerns in order to cultivate a resilient workforce.
Supporting Employees Following a Cyber Breach
To assist employees in dealing with the stress and emotional consequences of a cyber breach, organisations can implement the following strategies;
1. Transparent and Open Communication
Maintaining open lines of communication is crucial, during and after a cyber breach. Employees should be informed about the effects of the breach on their information as well as steps they can take to minimise further harm. Organisations should provide updates on progress in resolving the situation along with outlining measures being taken to prevent incidents.
2. Reinforce Training Programs
Since many cyber breaches occur due to phishing attempts and email scams organisations should reemphasise training modules or sessions that remind employees how to identify emails and what actions they should take if they receive one. Reinforcing the importance of cybersecurity practices can help prevent incidents while reducing stress associated with potential breaches.
3. Mental Health Support Resources
Remind employees about health resources within the organisation that they can access. It's important to encourage employees to make use of the benefits to them such as mental wellness apps, employee assistance programs and taking time off for mental health. These resources can provide support to employees as they deal with the challenges and stress caused by a cyber breach.
Conclusion
We cannot overlook the impact that cyber breaches have on the health of employees. It is crucial for organisations to acknowledge this impact and take measures to support their workforce. By fostering open communication, offering support, reinforcing training efforts and providing access to mental health resources, organisations can help employees navigate the challenges and develop resilience in the face of cyber breaches. Prioritising employee well-being not only benefits individuals but also contributes to strengthening the cybersecurity posture of the organisation.
We must remember that ensuring the mental well-being of employees is just as important, as protecting data and systems. By addressing these hidden costs associated with cyber breaches, small businesses can cultivate a more workforce capable of facing evolving cybersecurity threats.