If your company operates with a hybrid working model in place, with a need to manage office based employees in addition to those working remotely, you may be experiencing some of these common challenges.
Navigating the landscape of remote and hybrid work can be a complex journey, littered with challenges. For example, these workers often grapple with an intensified workload that can feel like a never-ending marathon. Distractions from home or virtual environments can further add to this pressure, sometimes leading to health issues that go beyond just stress.
The decreased social interactions that come with remote work can also create a feeling of isolation, weakening workplace bonds.
One of the issues that can creep up on workers is the difficulty in disconnecting from work. The blurring of work-life boundaries can lead to longer hours, often unpaid, encroaching on precious personal time. This can have a negative effect on personal productivity and even lead to a 'flexibility stigma' where workers feel they need to be 'always on' to prove their dedication.
These factors can cast a shadow over the wellbeing of some of your people and upset the delicate balance between personal life and work. It's crucial to acknowledge these challenges and seek out solutions that promote healthier work practices and an inclusive, supportive environment for all team members, regardless of where they work from.
Work-life balance challenges
When it comes to remote and hybrid working, it's important to consider both the positives and negatives for work-life balance. According to a recent published UK Parliament report, ONS data from February 2022, a significant majority (78%) of those who worked from home felt that it improved their work-life balance. This is definitely a positive aspect.
However, it's also important to be aware of potential challenges. One challenge is the blurring of work-life boundaries, where it can be difficult to separate work and personal life. This can create a feeling of pressure to always be available online, which can impact personal wellbeing.
Another challenge is the potential increase in unpaid overtime work hours. When you have the ability to work from anywhere and at any time, it can be tempting to keep working beyond your designated hours. This can make it difficult to "switch off" and truly disconnect from work.
It's important for individuals to find strategies that work for them in order to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Setting clear boundaries and establishing a routine can help create structure and separation between work and personal life. Remember to encourage your team to take breaks and make time for activities that bring them joy and relaxation.
By being aware of these potential challenges and taking proactive steps to address them, you can navigate remote and hybrid working in a way that supports overall well-being and work-life balance.
Productivity issues
Working remotely can have an impact on the mental health of employees, leading to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and difficulty staying motivated. It's important for companies to make mental health a priority by checking in regularly and creating a safe environment for employees to express their emotions. Remember, signs of loneliness may include withdrawing from interactions, missing deadlines, or submitting work that may not meet the usual standards.
Organisations that encourage remote and hybrid working have often already recognised the importance of staff wellbeing. However, it is essential to address challenges like reduced mental wellbeing due to isolation and difficulties in collaborating with others. Many organisations believe that some in-person time can help overcome these challenges, but innovative use of technology can also mitigate negative impacts.
Mental health issues
Working remotely can have an impact on the mental health of employees, leading to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and difficulty staying motivated. It's important for companies to make mental health a priority by checking in regularly and creating a safe environment for employees to express their emotions. Remember, signs of loneliness may include withdrawing from interactions, missing deadlines, or submitting work that may not meet the usual standards.
Organisations that encourage remote and hybrid working have often already recognised the importance of staff wellbeing. However, it is essential to address challenges like reduced mental wellbeing due to isolation and difficulties in collaborating with others.
Many organisations believe that some in-person time can help overcome these challenges, but innovative use of technology can also mitigate negative impacts.
5 Quick tips for supporting the mental health of remote workers
Let's dive into some practical advice for you from Matt Liggins, our Head of Wellbeing here at Health Shield: “Working remotely can have both positive and negative impacts on work-life balance and mental health. Saving time and money on the commute, spending more time at home and feeling trusted to work without direct supervision can be good for us, but equally if the lines between home and work blur and we find ourselves always-on, this can cause problems.”
“Remote workers can sometimes lose a sense of engagement with the wider team and feel less supported as well.” Says Matt. “It’s really important to encourage healthy habits to strike the right balance and ensure appropriate support is in place.”
Support that you can provide your people can come in the form of:
- Consistent communication: Implement processes that facilitate meaningful and regular communication to ensure that employees feel connected and supported. For remote workers this should include a check-in at least once per week.
- Mental health awareness training: Provide training to equip managers and employees with the skills and knowledge to identify and support potential or developing mental health problems.
- Mindfulness training: Encourage mindfulness practices to help employees increase their self-awareness, manage stress, and improve work-life balance.
- Online mental health therapy: Offer easily accessible online mental health therapy services to provide fast and efficient support for employees in need.
- Create a culture of support: Foster a supportive work environment where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health and seeking support from managers and colleagues. Encourage open conversations and destigmatize mental health issues.
At Health Shield, we're more than just a provider of employee benefits—we're your trusted partner in health and wellbeing. Since 1877, we've been committed to nurturing the health of employees, and today, nearly 4,000 organisations rely on our expertise to maintain their workforce's health.
But we offer more than just health cash plans. Our plans come packed with additional features and tools specifically designed to support mental wellbeing. We understand that good health is holistic, and that's why we're dedicated to ensuring your team has the resources they need to thrive, both physically and mentally. Trust us to keep your people in the best of health.
Create a supportive workplace
Supporting the health of hybrid workers is not only beneficial for employees but also for the company, as it can reduce presenteeism, absenteeism, and turnover. If you’re looking for ways to help your people, you're not alone, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
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