Remote and hybrid work are central to how we work today. For many businesses and their employees, remote working provides flexibility and independence that many employees value. But alongside these perks come real mental health challenges. While remote work often increases happiness and productivity, it can also blur work-life boundaries, leading to burnout and stress.
Research consistently highlights the benefits of these models, and we know many remote employees are reporting higher levels of happiness, increased productivity and stronger loyalty to their employers. However, these positive effects aren’t universal and can be overshadowed by increased feelings of isolation and the difficulty in switching off.
According to a report by the Integrated Benefits Institute (IBI), 40% of fully remote workers and 38% of hybrid workers are experiencing heightened symptoms of anxiety and depression, compared to 35% of in-office workers. Balancing the benefits of remote work with proactive mental health support can lead to more sustainable work experiences for everyone.
Why Remote Work Can Be Both a Blessing and a Burden?
We’ve discussed many of the unique advantages in the past, such as having no commute, a flexible schedule, and a comfortable home environment. But, as studies show, the arrangement isn’t always a perfect solution. Fora’s recent survey found that over half (51%) of hybrid workers in the UK had to take time off due to stress or anxiety in the last year, averaging 6.1 days each. This translates to nearly 29 million missed workdays due to mental health concerns. For many, the shift to a virtual environment has led to longer hours and fewer breaks, impacting mental well-being significantly. The mental health charity Mind recommends setting boundaries by scheduling the end of your workday in your diary, ensuring at least a 30-minute lunch break, and making time to step outside for fresh air.
Effective Virtual Check-ins: Recognising Early Signs of Burnout
Remote environments can also make it challenging for managers to spot early signs of burnout or stress, and that’s exactly why regular, intentional check-ins are essential for supporting mental health in virtual teams.
Keep It Consistent: Scheduling regular 1:1s, ideally with flexible timing, helps team members feel seen, heard and valued. This also allows managers to address potential issues before they escalate.
Look Beyond Performance: A virtual check-in should go beyond deliverables. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are you managing your workload?” or “Is there anything you’d like more support with?” It’s important to give team members opportunities to share personal challenges.
Encourage Breaks: Remind your team of the importance of regular breaks, even from the screen. Many remote employees struggle with taking adequate breaks. As Mind suggests, scheduling short outdoor breaks or a 30-minute lunch are relatively small and simple steps, but they can make a big difference.
Navigating Mental Health in a Hybrid World
The flexibility of hybrid work is undoubtedly a perk, but it brings its own set of mental health challenges. According to IBI’s analysis, hybrid work is associated with an increased likelihood of anxiety and depression. Here’s how managers can support hybrid employees:
- Promote Work-Life Boundaries: Encourage employees to set clear start and end times for their workday. This prevents the gradual creep of work into personal time – a potential issue in hybrid settings.
- Create Virtual ‘Water Cooler’ Moments: Recreating informal catch-ups through virtual coffee breaks or dedicated chat channels helps foster connection and can reduce feelings of isolation.
- Acknowledge Mental Health Days: For many hybrid workers, the absence of an office structure makes it hard to take time off. Emphasise the value of mental health days to normalise their use and help combat stress.
Building Mental Resilience Together
Hybrid and remote setups are here to stay, but addressing the mental health challenges associated with these models requires intention and care. Managers have a unique opportunity to foster resilience within their teams through supportive communication, actionable tips, and consistent check-ins. By encouraging breaks, setting healthy work boundaries, and acknowledging mental health needs, we can build a more resilient, productive, and happier workforce.
Mental Health First Aid Training
One way companies can proactively support mental health in a remote or hybrid workplace is by offering Mental Health First Aid training. These courses help employees recognise signs of mental health challenges, develop practical skills to provide initial support and build a more compassionate, responsive work environment. From half-day introductions to more comprehensive two-day courses, our Mental Health First Aid training can be tailored to your team’s needs, including Suicide First Aid®. By empowering team members with these skills, companies foster a culture where mental health is prioritised, supporting overall well-being across any work setting.
Remote work has certainly reshaped how we approach work and mental well-being. With intentional strategies and empathetic leadership, organisations can harness the advantages of remote and hybrid work while minimising the mental health risks associated with these setups. Through mindful virtual check-ins and robust mental health support, teams can experience real, lasting impact – no matter where they work. If you’d like to learn more about each of these courses, please visit the Personal Impact and Effectiveness area of our website or contact our friendly team today.
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