How employee benefits can support the mental health of remote workers

As the number of organisations embracing a hybrid working system has grown, so too has the need for employers to understand the pivotal role that a well-rounded employee benefits package plays in supporting the mental wellbeing of their people.

As HR professionals, one of the key challenges you may face is that your remote workforce remains engaged, motivated, and mentally healthy in a virtual environment. The isolation and lack of face-to-face interaction involved with remote work can lead to feelings of disconnect, loneliness, and increased stress or anxiety among employees. Add to this the blurring boundaries between work and personal life which may exacerbate these issues, making it even more critical that employee benefits are tailored to address mental health needs effectively. The evolving workplace landscape requires a broader, more holistic view of employee wellbeing.

The negative effects of neglecting mental health in hybrid teams

The consequences of neglecting the mental health of your remote or hybrid workers can be far-reaching for businesses and teams. Decreased productivity is among the most immediate impacts, with employees suffering from mental health issues often finding it hard to focus, make decisions, or sustain their normal work pace. This decrease in efficiency can result in missed deadlines, lower quality output, and ultimately, financial losses for the business. 

Mental health struggles can also lead to increased absenteeism and higher turnover rates, as employees may seek employment elsewhere due to a perceived lack of support. The loss of experienced staff not only results in additional costs associated with recruitment and training but can also disrupt the continuity and cohesion within teams.

It's worth noting that the morale and overall wellbeing of the entire team can be affected when a colleague is struggling. Negative emotions and stress can be contagious within teams, leading to a decline in the overall work environment. So it’s really important to recognise that mental health issues among remote and hybrid workers is not just a matter of individual wellbeing, but also impacts team dynamics and business performance.

From our expert: 5 tips to support remote workers' mental health

At Health Shield, we recognise the complexities and challenges faced by employers in supporting the mental health of remote and hybrid workers. 

We understand that navigating these issues can be daunting, but you are not alone in this journey. We are privileged to have a dedicated Head of Wellbeing on our team who is an expert in promoting good mental health in the workplace. Their role is not only to deliver effective strategies within our own organisation but also to share valuable insights and tips with you. 

Here are a few tips from our Head of Wellbeing, Matt Liggins, to help you with the challenges of remote work and supporting your employees' mental health: 

“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.

Valuable employee benefits to support mental health

As we navigate the challenges of remote work, offering a robust suite of employee benefits, particularly focused on mental health, can make a significant difference. Here are a few key benefits that can boost your employees' wellbeing and productivity:

• Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs): EAPs provide confidential, professional assistance to help employees resolve personal issues, including stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. By offering an EAP, you ensure that your team members have access to the support they need whenever they need it.
• Mental Health Days: These are specific days off from work aimed at supporting mental wellbeing, allowing employees time to rest, recharge and take care of their mental health. It sends a strong message that your organisation prioritises mental health and understands that everyone needs time to ensure their mental wellbeing.
• Flexible Working Hours: Allowing your employees to adjust their work schedule can alleviate stress and promote a healthy work-life balance. Empowering them to work when they're most productive can lead to increased job satisfaction and overall wellbeing.
• Wellness Programmes: These initiatives can include fitness memberships, online yoga classes, or meditation apps to promote physical health and mindfulness. A healthy body often leads to a healthy mind.
• Professional Development Opportunities: Continuous learning is a morale booster and can help employees feel valued. Offering training, webinars, and workshops related to their field can enhance job satisfaction and overall happiness.

Remember, the ultimate goal of these benefits is to create a supportive work environment that prioritises mental health. By incorporating these benefits into your employee wellbeing strategy, you can help mitigate potential mental health issues, boost team morale, and create a happier, more productive workforce.

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. 

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. Find out more about our employee benefits to support employee health by clicking on the link below.

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