There are many benefits, and some drawbacks, to working remotely, even part time. But one of the most interesting and talked-about topics is how remote or hybrid working impacts people’s mental health.
Like so much in the remote and hybrid work world, there are the zealots (claiming it will cure every problem and is good for the environment) and those who believe it is a really bad idea (claiming that social isolation leads people to become serial killers).
Of course, the reality is less binary - very little in life is all good or all bad and different individuals will respond to stimuli in different ways. Here are several identified benefits and challenges. But there are a couple of things to note:
- One benefit or fear may be the exact flip side of another. Working alone is great, unless you are not prepared to be alone.
- As leaders, we have a responsibility to our reports to check in on how they’re responding to working remotely. Just asking “how’s it going?” will seldom get you an honest response or help you figure out how to help.
Positive Aspects
Increased Productivity: Many employees feel more productive when working remotely. Without the interruptions and noise of a traditional office, people can often complete more tasks in less time than when they are around others. That’s great, assuming the work they do is the work that needs to be done. Work with your team to understand expectations and how the work will be measured and evaluated.
Reduced Social Anxiety: For individuals with social anxiety, the traditional office setting can be overwhelming due to cultural norms and body language expectations. Neurodivergent people often enjoy remote work because they can control their environment and there’s less negative stimulation.
Inclusivity: Virtual meetings level the playing field by removing barriers related to body language and social engagement. Remote work doesn’t just remove obvious social challenges such as getting the stink-eye from someone in a meeting or having to deal with peer pressure during brainstorms. The asynchronous nature of remote and hybrid work also allows people with English as a second language or are just shy to participate equally in online conversation threads without having to grab (or suffer) the spotlight like in a meeting.
Challenges
Isolation: Yes, not being interrupted or surrounded by noise can be a productivity tool. But working from home can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. The downside of being alone so often can range from simply feeling less engaged with your coworkers, to crippling despair and an increase (in those susceptible) to feelings of despair and even self-harm. Loneliness can be tied to health or events that have nothing to do with work and someone’s level of satisfaction is going to change from time to time. Frequent check-ins and monitoring work quality are important.
Blurred Boundaries: Remote work blurs the lines between personal and professional life. As we learned during Covid, some people naturally maintain guardrails between work and home, others struggle. And that’s just in general. If people suspect their job depends on constant availability, or they feel like they’re being judged for working remotely and have to “prove themselves,” this can create real problems. As a leader, you help people determine the culture and how they will be assessed and rewarded.
Heightened Stress: Juggling work, family, and household responsibilities can be stressful. When we have coworkers, customers and other humans around us, we can vent those feelings and pick up social cues that often help us adjust our thoughts. Being alone with our thoughts, while sometimes great, can also lead to a downward spiral of negativity and unproductive self-talk. Nobody’s life is all good or all bad, and as leaders we need to be able to tell the difference between a bad day and more serious challenges.
While remote work offers advantages, organizations and leaders must be mindful of potential mental health challenges. Workers should know they have your support, and if there are resources available to them through work.
