Remote working wellbeing challenges and how to overcome them
With remote working now a solid part of the ‘new normal’, we are all still adapting to this period of rapid change. Although there is now increased flexibility, which is what many of us have longed for, some may still be struggling with other commitments and feelings of increased isolation. This, paired with the current state of uncertainty and anxiousness caused by the pandemic, may lead to an influx of mental health challenges. So how do we address and overcome these?
Overworking
Funnily enough, one of the common misconceptions with remote work was a fear that employees would slack off and be less productive than they would be in an office environment with physical oversight. However, the opposite appears to be true. Remote workers – both employees and leaders - are much more likely to overwork. Team members struggle to remember to take breaks, to step away from their desks, and to finish work at a reasonable time. When your work is under the same roof as your personal life, it’s much harder to switch off and divert your attention away from work.
How to overcome overworking:
Set reminders to take breaks, to get a glass of water or cup of tea, and to get up from your desk.
Set ‘home’ appointments in your calendar at the end of the day to get yourself out of your home office.
Turn off notifications on your computer and phone so you’re not tempted to go back to your desk after hours.
Create physical boundaries with your workspace. Close the door or put your laptop out of sight.
Loneliness and feelings of isolation
Whilst some of us may be more distracted than ever with a household full of people, others may have the opposite problem. Even with video conferencing and online collaboration tools, it’s easy to develop ‘cabin fever’ from being in the same place by yourself for too long and not leaving the house. Those who work in shared offices experience natural moments of interaction, bumping into each other in the corridor or at the ‘watercooler’. The same can’t be said for remote workers but it’s important to be able to strike some balance.
How to overcome loneliness:
Try to include social breaks in your schedule, such as meeting a friend for lunch, going out to the shops, or going for a walk with somebody else.
If you’re able to, try working in a co-working space or coffee shop. Now that certain spaces are now re-opening, they could be a great option for a second office space – with the added benefit of some human interaction.
Communication issues
With the bulk of all communications now taking place via email or messaging tools, it can sometimes be difficult to fully articulate what you want to get across. Small misunderstandings can develop, and conversations may happen without you being looped in on. It’s therefore imperative to communicate as much as possible, ensure thorough clarification, and be proactive around speaking up.
How to overcome communication issues:
Use special tools for communication such as Slack or Zoom.
Set weekly or even daily dates for team calls to talk about tasks, progress, and any other issues relating to work.
Devise an employee wellness survey so you can find out if something in the company isn’t working and what needs to be done about it.
Speak about problems, ask questions, and voice your expectations so everyone is on the same page.
Bad health habits
When you’re at home, it’s easy to slip into bad habits. Either you’re delving into the fridge multiple times a day for snacks, or you’re completely forgetting to eat at all. If you don’t get up from your desk to move around, you become very sedentary which can affect your overall health in a big way. The lines being blurred between home and work life can also cause sleeping issues which in turn affects your work productivity. It’s difficult to develop a healthy routine but it’s essential you become more mindful about your health habits.
How to overcome bad health habits:
Keep a balanced diet – replace sugary snacks with healthy ones to keep you going throughout the day.
Take regular breaks during your work. Get outside and go for a walk or do a short yoga session from home. Set reminders on your phone to keep getting up from your desk and to move around.
Keep a regular sleeping pattern. Go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning. Routine (and a decent night’s sleep) is key.
Now that the nature of work has altered, there are new mental health considerations to keep at the forefront of our minds. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is absolutely crucial and it’s up to leaders to lead by example and create a culture where people know it’s okay to set boundaries, and ultimately, look after themselves.