Remote working is incredibly common these days and it has completely transformed the way we work, with more flexibility and the ability to switch on your laptop anytime, anywhere to get the job done.
However, while there are many benefits to remote working, there are also downsides too, from being able to juggle children to virtual fatigue, to even the more distant relationship a person will now have with their colleagues or employees.
When it comes to owning a business in which your workers are remote, the latter can be a concern, which is why it is useful to put a number of processes in place to help your workforce feel supported and focused on their well-being.
So how exactly can you support your staff when they are working remotely?
Ask about day-to-day contact preferences
The benefit of remote working is flexibility and one of the downsides and stress points can be being contacted while a person is trying to juggle children’s lunches or about to go to a doctor’s appointment.
A good way to get around this is to have a system in place that allows each other to see core working hours, when and how someone wants to be contacted, and any do-not-contact times. This will make the entire remote working process much more effective and stress-free.
Set aside time in the work to continue to be social, just as you would in an office space. This can be a video call where you can just sit and chat for an hour, play games and just let off a bit of steam as a collective.
There is undoubtedly a disconnect when people work from home, and having regular social time, even if it’s just a few people having a chat on Zoom, can be a positive way to try and bridge that gap, as well as offer support.
Let employees know support is available
There’s a lot going on in the world and as a company, offering support can be invaluable. The stresses of work can really take their toll on people, and if they aren’t in the office it’s a lot more difficult to tell if someone is unable to cope.
That can have a spiralling effect, with the likes of depression and addiction often developing because of that. Let colleagues know that help is there and put processes in place to help with that, whether it be offering access to an external therapist, or even having initiatives in place that can help with the cost of rehab. You ultimately want a happy and healthy workforce, no matter where they are working, and having access to what they need to maintain can only be helpful.
Robert Haynes did his degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
