.jpg)
Spring 2020 certainly saw the workplace turned upside down. Covid 19 lock down meant that many were either unable to work or started to work from home.
And a lot of people are still working from home in 2023. A recent study suggested that 61% of homeworkers would return back tomorrow given half a chance. On the other-side, businesses are finding that productivity is up as much as 15%, without the distractions of the workplace, people appear to work harder.
As time goes by however we see more and more people starting to feel the pressure. Loneliness, stress through to burn out, panic attacks and depression. Support for staff does not stop when they work from home, as employers the mental well-being of those who work for you is just as important.
In the last week or so, in conversation with various HR departments it appears that part of the problem is that there are no guidelines to cover homeworkers properly. The workplace does not know how support homeworkers needs. There are companies now starting to focus upon this and those who take action sooner will benefit if the future of the office is to be satellited from peoples houses.
Obviously, as an employer you cannot force your workers to do things to help, however for people to know that their is support available is always of benefit.
Here are a few ways that you can help your homeworkers. Solutions do not always have to be complicated, but can make a big difference.
1. Lunchtime Zoom: Chatting online is never going to be quite the same as face to face. However, one of the biggest problems occurring for those working from home is loneliness. Why not schedule in a daily Zoom lunchtime session, staff can take a break and chat to each other whilst having lunch.
2. Weekly Meditation: Where stress is an issue, a weekly meditation group online can make a huge difference. I have been providing a group for homeworkers and those isolated during lock-down, the benefits of which have been greatly received. Get in touch if you would like to discuss how this could work for your business.
3. Online home-work support for individuals and groups. These can include sharing circles, coaching, counselling etc. I have a number of clients who have benefited through being able to access this. Staff contact me direct which means that they do not need worry (especially good if already stressed) about hassling employers.
As the way we do things evolves the needs of our employees will also evolve. Taking care of the mental and emotional well-being of our workers however will always be one of the best things we can do to have a productive, loyal and happy team.
If you are concerned or unsure about how to approach the mental well-being of your employees, I offer a number of options to assist you and your people.
Online meditation groups, hypnosis for anxiety and stress, coaching for home well-being. All arranged to work for you and your staff.
Together we can make home working happy working.
Whynot have a chat about any of the aspects of this article and how I can help you.