As a team leader, you need to be aware of the mood, stressors and overall mental health of your team. Talking about these things is fine, but most organizations only pay lip service to the topic. As a Long-Distance Leader, you can help set some rules, but the most powerful thing you can do is model these behaviors yourself.
Straight from the pages of The Long-Distance Leader, Revised Rules for Remarkable Remote & Hybrid Leadership, here are ten factors to consider about creating and maintaining a healthy workplace environment.
Set Boundaries
Activity: Establish a "work shutdown" ritual. This could involve a specific time each day when you log off from work and engage in a personal activity, such as reading or going for a walk.
How to tie it into your workflow: Use calendar blocking to mark off these times and communicate them to your team, encouraging them to do the same.
Schedule Regular Breaks
Activity: Implement the Pomodoro Technique—work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer break (15-30 minutes).
How to tie it into your workflow: Use a timer app to remind you to take these breaks and encourage your team to adopt this method as well.
Practice Mindfulness and Stress-Reduction Techniques
Activity: Dedicate 10-15 minutes each day to mindfulness meditation. Use apps like Headspace or Calm for guided sessions.
How to tie it into your workflow: Consider starting team meetings with a brief mindfulness exercise to set a positive tone for discussions.
Stay Connected
Activity: Schedule weekly "virtual coffee chats" with team members, where work discussions are off the table, and personal connections can be made.
How to tie it into your workflow: Use a rotating schedule to ensure everyone gets a chance to connect with different team members.
Seek Feedback and Support
Activity: Implement a monthly feedback session where team members can share their thoughts on leadership and team dynamics.
How to tie it into your workflow: Create a safe space for open dialogue, perhaps through anonymous surveys or dedicated time in team meetings.
Invest in Professional Development
Activity: Identify online courses or webinars relevant to your leadership role (e.g., emotional intelligence, conflict resolution).
How to tie it into your workflow: Set aside time each week for learning and share insights with your team to foster a culture of growth.
Utilize Technology Mindfully
Activity: Designate "no meeting" days or specific hours during the week where no video calls are scheduled.
How to tie it into your workflow: Use shared calendars to block off these times and encourage the team to focus on deep work without interruptions.
Promote a Culture of Well-Being
Activity: Start a "wellness challenge" within your team, where everyone shares their self-care activities (like exercise, reading, or hobbies) and supports each other.
How to tie it into your workflow: Create a dedicated channel in your communication platform (like Slack) for sharing wellness tips and successes.
Recognize and Address Burnout
Activity: Conduct regular one-on-one check-ins focused on well-being, not just performance. Ask open-ended questions about how team members are feeling.
How to tie it into your workflow: Use a structured format for these conversations to ensure they remain focused on mental health and not just work tasks.
Engage in Physical Activity
Activity: Organize a weekly team fitness challenge, such as a step count competition or virtual workout sessions.
How to tie it into your workflow: Use fitness apps to track progress and share results, fostering a sense of camaraderie and accountability.
By implementing these specific activities, leaders can create a supportive environment that prioritizes mental health, not just for themselves but for their entire team.
