Imagine you’re sitting in a busy office. The coffee machine is humming, colleagues are chatting about the weekend and files are piling up on your desk. Your boss comes by, praises your work and invites you to lunch. This hustle and bustle is part of everyday life for many of us, but the world of work is changing. More and more people are now working from home. The trip to the coffee machine is now just a short walk to the kitchen, and chatting with colleagues mainly takes place via Zoom. However, what seems pleasant at first glance can also bring challenges, especially for mental health.
Mental health challenges when working from home
The switch to working from home not only brings with it a new working environment, but also a number of psychological challenges. One common problem is the lack of separation between work and private life. The desk is often just a few steps away from the sofa or bed, which can lead to people constantly thinking about work. In the long term, this can lead to stress and exhaustion.
Another problem is social isolation. In the office, there is regular contact and a lively exchange between colleagues. In the home office, these spontaneous conversations are missing, which can lead to a feeling of loneliness.
The feeling of having to be constantly available also contributes to stress and makes it difficult to switch off after work.
Strategies for separating work and private life
To reduce the mental stress of remote working, it is important to draw clear boundaries between work and private life. Here are some strategies that can help:
Fixed working hours: Set yourself fixed working hours and stick to them consistently. Close your laptop after work and resist the temptation to “just check an email”.
Your own workplace: If possible, set up a permanent workplace that is used exclusively for work. This prevents your home office from becoming a permanent workplace and makes it easier to switch off after work.
Take breaks: Plan regular breaks and use them to exercise or do something completely different. A short walk can work wonders and help you clear your head.
Maintain social contacts: Even if it’s tempting to spend your lunch break alone, schedule regular time for virtual coffee breaks or phone calls with colleagues. Interacting with others helps to reduce the feeling of isolation.
How employers can support remote workers
Employers play a crucial role in promoting the mental health of their employees working from home. Here are some measures that companies can take:
Clear communication: Ensure clear communication and clear expectations. Employees should know what is expected of them and when they really need to be available.
Offer support: Offer support in the form of counseling or training that focuses on stress management and work-life separation. This shows employees that their health is taken seriously.
Virtual team events: Organize regular virtual team events to promote social interaction and strengthen team spirit. This could be a joint online breakfast or a virtual team-building game.
Enable flexibility: Offer flexible working hours and options for different working models. Every employee has different needs and circumstances, and a flexible model can help reduce stress.
Mental health is an important aspect of remote working that should not be neglected. With the right strategies and support from the employer, working from home can not only be productive, but also healthy.
