Recently, Australian workplace culture has experienced a fundamental transformation. Working remotely has become increasingly commonplace. Hybrid working models have become equally as prevalent. Prioritising employee mental health has emerged as an important element of maintaining and increasing motivation and productivity for businesses seeking to adapt to this trend. In this article, we explore seven strategies for sustaining remote workers. We discuss promoting employee wellbeing in the increasingly-everyday work-from-home environment.
Establish a Virtual Wellbeing Framework:
Creating an inclusive wellbeing framework for remote workers is the cornerstone of fostering a healthy working environment. A wellbeing framework must aim to sustain positive physical, mental and social wellbeing metrics. Encouraging regular breaks, providing resources for mental health support and organising virtual team-building activities to enhance social connections among remote workers can be extremely effective at producing strong wellbeing outcomes for employees working from home. By addressing the holistic wellbeing of employees, organisations lay the foundation for increased productivity and job satisfaction.
Prioritise Mental Health:
The mental health of remote workers is a deterministic factor of their overall capacity to produce high-quality work. Employers should proactively promote mental health awareness by offering resources such as counselling services, webinars and anxiety management resources. Regular check-ins can help create a supportive work environment and allow employees to make their concerns known if they have them and seek assistance when they need it. Remote work provides unique challenges and by acknowledging these challenges and providing support mechanisms employers can significantly contribute to employee wellbeing.
Flexible Work Hours:
A one-size-fits-all approach to work hours may not be suitable for remote employees. By offering flexible work hours, employers facilitate individuals structuring their day according to their peak productivity periods and other personal commitments. An adaptable approach to working hours not only contributes to increased job satisfaction but also enables employees to find a balance between professional and personal responsibilities, positively impacting their overall wellbeing.
Invest in Remote Work Infrastructure:
A remote workspace equipped with the right tools is essential for maintaining and enhancing productivity. Employers must provide the necessary equipment, hardware and software to enable remote work of a high degree of quality. Such an investment not only demonstrates commitment to employee success but also minimises potential bottlenecks in productivity arising from technical roadblocks. Reliable remote work infrastructure allows employees to focus on their tasks without unnecessary disruptions and produces better outcomes for the company.
Encourage Skill Development:
Remote work offers an excellent opportunity for employees to invest time in developing additional skills that can contribute to their efficacy in their role. Encourage ongoing education by providing access to online certifications, courses and workshops. By doing this, employers enhance employee skills and also foster a employee growth and an all-round sense of accomplishment. When individuals learn new things, they are empowered and will more-likely be increasingly motivated and productive in their roles.
Foster Open Communication:
Regular open communication is fundamentally important in any workplace and even more so in a remote setting. Establish standard communication channels, encourage remote workers to provide regular updates about their workload and utilise collaborative tools in order to keep the team connected. A culture of open communication can help build trust between employees and reduce any feelings of isolation remote workers are experiencing. Regular feedback sessions can provide insightful information for human resources staff, allowing them to adapt organisational strategies to provide better employee support.
Emphasise Work-Life Balance:
One of the most profound challenges of remote work is the reduction of boundaries between professional and personal commitments. Encourage employees to set limits, such as defining dedicated workspaces and establishing zones where they will not work. Emphasise the importance of taking regular breaks, exercising and finding time to relax after hours. When individuals feel in control of their life and can separate work from downtime, they are better positioned to maintain their wellbeing and productivity.
In conclusion, the contemporary transition to remote work necessitates a proactive approach to sustaining productivity and employee wellbeing. By implementing a holistic wellbeing framework, prioritiing mental health, offering flexibility, investing in infrastructure, encouraging skill development, fostering open communication and emphasising work-life balance, organisations can create an environment where employees thrive personally and professionally. In doing so, they adapt to the era of remote work and position themselves for long-term success in the evolving workplace landscape.
