Mental Health and Remote Work

In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, companies nationwide are mandating remote work for their employees. For many American workers, this is the first time in their career they will be working from home and the transition will be an adjustment.

Remote work has increased in popularity over the years, with many employees enjoying the flexibility it provides and the elimination of commute to and from the office. While this can reduce stress and increase overall job satisfaction for some, it presents new mental health challenges for others, including loneliness and the potential for burnout.

Losing day-to-day social interaction can lead to a feeling of isolation for some employees. To combat this, frequent check-ins and regularly scheduled meetings help employees maintain relationships with their manager and other coworkers and feel connected to their organization. Staying consistently engaged prevents potential feelings of isolation and loneliness that would negatively impact the employee’s mental health.

Working remotely can also make it difficult to maintain a work-life balance. By establishing clear start and end times for work, and scheduling usual breaks and a dedicated lunchtime, employees can better manage their workday and reduce the chance of burnout. Additionally, regular exercise and mindfulness meditation can help positively impact an employee’s mental health by reducing anxiety and decreasing stress levels.