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Employee wellness and mental health are inevitable components of a successful workplace. We can’t deny that employees experience stress for various reasons- personal and professional. Due to the increasing number of remote workers, it is time for the managers to look into their condition more cautiously. Have you noticed your remote employees going through such instances that affect their emotional well-being? If so, this article will help you combat the situation.
Several studies undertaken after the COVID-19 pandemic reported that remote workers are more likely to work longer hours than their office-going counterparts. While the option to Work from Home (WFH) may provide employees with some perks, it can become very challenging for many. Employees can be distressed by not knowing how to balance their personal and work lives.
Several employees who worked from home didn’t anticipate its psychological side effects. It is high time employers become aware of the issues their remote workforce faces and find solutions. We are here to offer business owners and managers adequate information on the significance of employees’ mental health. We suggest ways to ensure their emotional well-being, especially during remote work.
Loneliness is one of the most common reasons employees who work from home feel isolated. Another factor likely affecting one’s mental health is the inability to communicate with colleagues and socialize.
Depression is another crucial factor that managers should consider when caring for the employees’ mental health. Many research articles published post the pandemic hint at the possibility of developing depression when employees work remotely.
Isolation can make the employees feel like their managers and teammates are not appropriately supporting them. It can also lead to bouts of stress and apprehension about their performance.
Anxiety can also crawl in while working from home. The fear of losing the job, lack of proper communication and the shift from an office workspace can result in this situation. This can cause burnout too, and employees get exhausted eventually.
Managers should be aware of the dire consequences of remote work employees face.
Employees’ mental and physical health is essential for a business to boost employee motivation and decrease absenteeism. This benefit can also help prevent a loss of productivity. While the employees telecommute, there are various measures managers can take to ensure they feel supported in the team correctly.
1. Promote self-care
The goal of employee wellness is to make sure that everyone is taking care of themselves. This has to start with the management. Managers can ensure the employees and the whole company set plans for a healthy lifestyle by providing some sessions for improving their mental and physical states.
Following a consistent schedule can help all the employees stay focused on the goals and avoid getting distracted. A few nutrient-rich meals/ snacks daily can boost productivity and lift their spirits. Managers can provide exercise routine workshops to help the company acquire a healthy mind and body.
2. Watch out for signs of burnout
Burnout is still a common problem in workplaces. The uncertainty surrounding the situation and the increasing anxiety among employees make it even more dangerous. Managers should take the initiative to watch employees who go through burnout due to pressure or isolation during remote work.
Managers may quickly identify when the employees are struggling by paying attention to the signs. Support them and avoid burnout. To prevent further damage, consider providing additional support to all the remote employees.
3. Regular wellness checks
Managers should take the initiative to check their team members’ current performance and be aware of any signs of pressure or stress. This is a great way to get to know the employees and avoid roadblocks. A weekly team meeting allows teams to share ideas and discuss their concerns.
Managers can reach out to employees individually to talk about what’s going on and know if any help is required to work peacefully. Adjusting the goals and constantly communicating can be a great way to avoid mental health issues.
4. Appreciation
Appreciation is an essential aspect that helps organizations display that their employees are valued. There are many ways to appreciate the employees; managers should sort out the best means of appreciation for their employees. This can be done by sharing team wins, recognizing individual employees’ milestones or successes, and sending private messages of encouragement.
5. Support work-life balance
Remote work benefits families often if it helps maintain their flexibility. However, it can be challenging for employees to keep up with their personal schedules. By encouraging their teammates to practice self-care, managers can support them lead balanced lifestyles.
Plan on brainstorming new ideas for self-care and start a discussion among the team. If required, you may allow them to take a break from work and spend some time for a vacation or whatever makes them feel relieved after strenuous tasks are accomplished. This can act as a token of recognition for their hard work. It is vital that managers set virtual office hours and support the employees manage time so they can spend enough time with their loved ones or care for themselves.
Providing mental health services to remote workers has proved beneficial to organizational success. A good understanding of the team members’ habits and behaviors can help managers identify areas of concern that could affect the well-being of the employees and the company. While your teams work from home, you can take care of the aspects outlined in this article to ensure their work environment supports their well-being.
