Remote work has become more prevalent in the digital age. Advancements in technology have made it possible to work from anywhere in the world. Although remote work has a host of advantages such as work-life balance, autonomy, and flexibility, it also comes with certain psychological risks that may not be apparent at first glance. In this blog, we will explore some of these risks in detail and provide practical tips on how to mitigate them.
Isolation
One of the biggest psychological risks of remote work is the sense of isolation that can come with being physically disconnected from colleagues. This is especially true for those who are used to having social interactions in their workplace. Humans are social creatures, and isolation can trigger symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Solution: To combat this risk, remote workers need to create opportunities for social interactions. One way to do this is through virtual team catch-ups. Set up regular video conferences with your colleagues, where you can discuss work-related issues and have informal chats. This creates a sense of teamwork and reduces the likelihood of feeling alienated from colleagues. Additionally, joining an online community or remote workgroup can provide a platform for social interaction and professional development.
Distractions
Working from home can bring distractions that aren’t present in an office setting. Distractions can range from household chores, social media, and even television. These distractions can impact productivity, increase stress levels, and reduce job satisfaction.
Solution: The key to avoiding distractions is to create a daily schedule and a dedicated workspace. The idea is to establish clear boundaries between work time and personal time. This involves creating a dedicated workspace where you won’t be distracted, such as a separate room or a quiet corner in your house. Once you have a defined workspace, develop a work schedule that outlines when you need to work and when you have personal time. Use task lists or productivity apps to keep your work focused and on track.
Reduced motivation
Remote work can sometimes lead to reduced motivation as there is a lack of direct supervision that can typically provide accountability.
Solution: To combat this risk, establish clear expectations with your manager or supervisor about specific tasks you are responsible for. Ask for clear metrics for success and deadlines that are enforced, so you have a better understanding of what is expected of you. Creating clear and specific goals can increase your motivation to achieve them, even if you don’t have direct supervision.
Technology Issues
Technology aids remote work but can cause stress when it doesn’t work as expected. Technical issues such as slow internet speeds or software glitches can cause frustration.
Solution: Create a contingency plan in case of technology issues. This could involve having a backup internet option, such as a mobile hotspot or using a coffee shop’s free Wi-Fi. Additionally, try working during off-peak internet hours to minimize slow speeds. Use reliable software platforms and maintain regular software updates to minimize software glitches.
Difficulty separating work and personal life
Working from home can be convenient, but it can also blur the lines between work and personal life. Family members may assume that if you are in the house, you are available for conversations and errands.
Solution: Make it known that while you are at home, you are at work. Clearly communicate with household members that there are specific periods during the day when you cannot engage in activities other than work. Create a daily schedule that outlines when you are and are not available for personal activities. This way, you can establish boundaries and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Lack of exercise
Sedentary lifestyles can result from remote work, as people may become absorbed in their work for long periods, leading to less physical activity.
Solution: Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine is crucial to maintaining physical and mental wellbeing. Consider taking active breaks throughout the day, such as stretching or taking a socially distanced walk. Set reminders to stand up and move around every hour or two. Additionally, exercising regularly before or after work can increase energy levels and maintain physical fitness.
Burnout
Remote work can make it easier for people to work longer hours without taking a break, as there may be the temptation to check emails or complete tasks after hours. This can increase stress levels and ultimately lead to burnout.
Solution: The key to avoiding burnout is to set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Develop a work schedule that outlines specific work hours, and inform colleagues that you will not be available after hours. Be sure to take regular breaks during the workday and disconnect from work activities during personal time. Establishing a healthy work-life balance is essential to avoiding burnout and maintaining good mental health.
Accountability and Feedback
In a traditional workplace, feedback and performance evaluations are typically scheduled events, and there are opportunities for informal conversations between coworkers or supervisors. In a remote workplace, these opportunities are less frequent, making it harder for remote workers to receive feedback regularly, and it can be difficult to keep remote workers accountable.
Solution: Regular check-ins with supervisors and colleagues can ensure that remote workers are on the same page as their coworkers. These check-ins can include regular evaluations or group video conferences. Additionally, use productivity or time-tracking apps that can provide data to supervisors that can give insight into how the remote worker is performing.
Conclusion
Remote work is becoming more prevalent in the modern workplace, and it has many advantages. However, it is important to understand the psychological risks that come with remote work. Isolation, distractions, reduced motivation, technology issues, difficulty separating work and personal life, lack of exercise, accountability and feedback, and burnout can all impact remote workers’ mental wellbeing. By adopting specific strategies for each of these risks, remote workers can lower their risk of experiencing these issues and improve their overall job satisfaction. This way, you can establish boundaries and maintain a healthy work-life balance. In the end, the goal of remote work is to allow for more flexibility in the workplace while maintaining employee well-being.