Remote teams are hard to stay. What started as a necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic quickly became a modern workplace. Many of us choose to work remotely, because of a preference for working outside of the office, or because of relocating differences, or because we want the extra time for our family and life outside of work. For parents and introverts, for people who want to work around the world, remote work is a gift.
But remote work also comes with its own set of challenges. And mental health support is one of them: how can we keep our teams connected and happy when we only see them on a screen? Let’s find out…
As remote work becomes more prevalent, it’s important for companies to consider the unique mental health challenges that remote teams face. Remote work can be isolating and blur the lines between work and personal life, leading to increased stress and burnout. In this blog, we will discuss why remote teams in particular need mental health benefits, what mental health benefits are good for remote teams, and how to implement mental health benefits for your remote teams.
Why do remote teams need mental health benefits?
Remote teams face unique challenges that impact their mental health. One of the biggest challenges is isolation. Working from home can be lonely, and remote workers often miss out on the social connections and support that come with working in an office. This leads to feelings of isolation and disconnection, which can negatively impact mental health. A study by Buffer confirmed this, finding that remote workers struggle with loneliness and isolation more than office-based workers. In fact, 20% of remote workers cited loneliness as their biggest struggle.
Another challenge for remote teams is the lack of boundaries between work and personal life. Remote workers may struggle to separate their work life from their personal life, leading to increased stress and burnout. Without clear boundaries, remote workers may feel like they are always “on”, which makes it difficult to relax and recharge.
According to a study by Qualtrics, 75% of remote workers experience burnout, likely due to these blurred lines between work and personal life.
Which mental health benefits are good for remote teams?
There are a variety of mental health benefits that can help support remote teams. Here are a few to consider:
- Virtual therapy: Providing access to virtual therapy can be a great way to support remote workers’ mental health. Virtual therapy is convenient and accessible, making it easier for remote workers to get the support they need.
- Mental health days: Encouraging remote workers to take mental health days supports their mental health by giving employees the opportunity to step back and recharge, helping prevent burnout.
- Flexible schedules: Offering flexible schedules can help remote workers better balance their work and personal life. This helps prevent stress and burnout and improve overall mental health.
- Professional help: Looking outside your team capacities to employee assistance programs (EAPs) and other, more modern mental health solutions provides you with a range of mental health resources, including counseling, support groups, and referrals to mental health professionals.
How can my company implement mental health benefits for remote teams?
Implementing mental health benefits requires a thoughtful approach. Here are a few tips to get started:
- Conduct a needs assessment: Before implementing mental health benefits, it’s important to understand the unique needs of your remote workers. Consider conducting a survey or focus group to gather feedback from your team.
- Communicate openly: Make sure your remote workers understand what mental health benefits are available to them and how to access them. Consider hosting a virtual town hall or providing written materials to explain the benefits.
- Create a supportive culture: Encourage open communication and create a supportive culture that prioritizes mental health. Make sure your remote workers know that it’s okay to take mental health days or seek out support.
- Partner with a mental health provider: Consider partnering with a mental health provider, such as nilo.health, to provide virtual therapy and other mental health resources to your remote team.
Don’t wait. Give your remote team the support they need
Investing in mental health benefits for remote teams leads to a range of positive outcomes, including improved mental health, reduced stress and burnout, and increased productivity. And it’s the future: already in 2021, according to a study by the National Business Group on Health, 73% of employers were expected to offer virtual mental health services from 2021 onwards, and the number is only growing. Companies that invest in mental health services are more likely to attract and retain top talent.
Ready to make a smart call? Book a demo to see how nilo.health supports your remote teams today.
