When working from home, the pressures of family and work responsibilities can mount into much larger problems.
Although this arrangement aims to alleviate some of the obstacles that come with traveling to the workplace, business leaders must keep in mind the importance of supporting the mental health of remote workers.
This isn’t just a nicety for employees — the mental health of employees is critical to business longevity.
The lack of in-person interaction in a remote workforce means that it’s easier for workers who are struggling to slip under the radar and send them on a one-way train to burnout. However, there are still ways leaders can support the wellbeing of their remote workforce.
For starters, communication will be key. Ensuring that employees feel safe enough to communicate their mental state at any given time is essential.
Workers who feel fearful of being transparent about their struggles are more likely to slip into a darker place, especially when isolated from colleagues.
Incorporating actual solutions to support mental health can also work wonders. For instance, in addition to offering workers a discounted gym membership, businesses should also offer access to resources that can support employee wellbeing, such as therapy or meditation apps.