The sudden shift to remote and hybrid working arrangements left many employers scrambling to adapt (in more ways than one). COVID arrived, the world changed, and a massive game of corporate catch-up began.
It’s a change that was difficult for all parties. Employees struggled to maintain and exceed productivity rates, while businesses fought to remain viable and operationally sound.
Even now, in the aftermath of the pandemic, the ripple effect continues. Approximately 31% of Canadian workers were fully remote as of 2023— a number experts expect will continue to rise— and 50% now work from home at least part of the time.
At first, the ability to work from home was celebrated by employees as a way to enjoy more work-life balance, lower their commuting expenses, and spend less on child care. Even business owners were intrigued by the potential for cost savings and the ability to tap into a global workforce.
But is remote work really the miracle solution we hoped it would be? Is it actually improving employee mental health the way we expected it to? And what should employers be doing to better support remote employee mental health?
These are the questions we’ll be exploring together today. Let’s get started.
The Impact of Remote Work on Mental Health
Almost every person you meet has an opinion on the merit of virtual work environments. These opinions can be quite extreme, with some believing it’s the way of the future, and others believing it more damaging than applaud-worthy.
But when we look at the scientific evidence as it relates to employee wellbeing, the truth of the matter becomes a little more complex. Multiple studies have shown there are both advantages and disadvantages to remote work.
Let’s explore these a little further.
Pros
- 79% of managers see an increase in productivity when their teams are working remotely or in a hybrid arrangement.
- 81% of remote workers say a better work-life balance is the biggest benefit of working from home
- 55% of Canadian workers say working remotely has lowered their stress levels
Cons
- Working remotely full-time is associated with a 40% increase in the likelihood of depression and anxiety symptoms
- 50% of remote workers say they struggle to set healthy boundaries while working from home
- Feelings of isolation are the biggest challenge for 53% of remote workers
Work From Home Mental Health: What Employers Need to Know
From a senior leadership perspective, it’s crucial to remember that remote work is neither all-bad or all-good. It’s simply a different way of operating that comes with its own unique benefits and challenges.
Simply put? Your team is capable of thriving in any environment if you empower them in three key ways:
1. Effective Workload Management
Ideally, you don’t want your employees to be overwhelmed or underutilized. It’s all about striking a careful balance and distributing tasks strategically— regardless of whether your team works in-office or at home. This way, you can enhance productivity while also minimizing stress and burnout.
2. Mental and Emotional Support
It’s impossible for employees to generate success in a toxic work environment. Their concerns, opinions, and perspectives must be heard and validated in order to maintain satisfaction within their roles. They must also have access to counseling services, mental health resources, and compassionate leadership.
3. Meaningful Social Connection
Your employees need meaningful social interactions to feel like they belong within your company and to maintain a sense of purpose within their role. This can be achieved through team-building activities, mentorship programs, and collaborative projects. The more you prioritize these experiences, the more united your team will be and the happier your employees will feel.
How to Support the Mental Health of Remote Workers
1. Put a Formal Remote Work Mental Health Program in Place
Attempting to address employee mental health concerns on-the-fly is never as effective as putting a proactive plan in place. A documented and formal mental health program provides clarity for your team, letting them know exactly what types of resources are available to them and what steps they need to take in the event of a mental health crisis.
Items to detail in a remote work mental health program include:
- Mental health policies
- Employee mental health workshops and training opportunities
- Resources
- Wellness holidays
- Employee recognition initiatives
- Peer support groups
- Stress reduction programs
2. Maintain Open Communication Channels
Protecting remote employee mental health requires on-going effort. Having regular conversations with your team about how they are feeling, any challenges they may be facing, and how you can best support them is the simplest and most effective way to show you care. Plus, it allows you to identify problems before they snowball into larger issues.
Ways to prioritize open communication include:
- Scheduling regular check-ins with your employees
- Hosting virtual wellness forums
- Conducting employee surveys on a regular basis
3. Lead By Example
Corporate leaders have a responsibility to set the bar high when it comes to work life balance and stress management in the workplace. When you compromise boundaries, work outside of regular office hours, and take on excessive workloads, you not only jeopardize your ability to lead effectively, but you expose your team members to the same unhealthy practices— increasing the likelihood of them experiencing job dissatisfaction, overwhelm, and even depression.
Ways to model positive mental health practices include:
- Setting consistent technology-free hours where you can not be reached by email, text, phone, etc.
- Encouraging team members to take breaks, use their vacation time, and disconnect during out of office hours.
- Prioritizing tasks effectively and maintaining realistic expectations when it comes to desired outcomes.
Need Help Navigating Employee Mental Health in the Remote Work Era? We're Here For You.
At Catalyst Mental Health, we offer mental health training online for virtual teams, empowering your workforce with strategies to navigate stress, enhance resilience, and cultivate a positive corporate culture.
Let’s create an environment where success is inevitable.