During the beginning of the pandemic, remote work became the new normal for non-essential workers, but how has it impacted our mental health? Working from home during the height of COVID-19 may have lowered stress levels for workers about getting sick or having long-haul symptoms. Working from the comfort of your home office may be appealing for many, but can the lack of interaction challenge your mental stamina?
In this blog, we will look at some studies and other resources that look at the impact of remote work on our mental health. Those who have previously struggled with mental illness may be more susceptible to the strains of remote work. We will also include some tips and therapy practices that could help those who are still participating in remote work.
Benefits For Mental Health
For many, remote or hybrid work schedules can improve their mental health. Working from home can limit the amount of stress that is pressing on your brain while you are working on your job to-do list. Most people have reported that remote work has helped them find a better work-life balance because they can help out at home and limit their commute time which eats up precious hours in the day.
Remote work may also give you time for leisure activities or self-care. Lowering the time required for a commute or in-person meetings will give you time later in the day to focus on activities that recharge your battery. This extra time can be spent with your family or close friends which helps elevate your mental health.
Challenges To Mental Health
Over the past few years as remote work has become more commonplace, some mental health challenges have begun to emerge. Studies, including one from the Integrated Benefits Institute, have shown that those who were working remotely experienced higher levels of anxiety and depression. 40% of fully remote workers saw an increase in depression symptoms, while 38% of hybrid workers saw an increase.
The research shows that remote work may not be the best option for every employee. Some of the participants in this study said that they experienced constant disruptions, stress about home office space, and a more endless workday. All of these factors contributed to how they felt about their mental health.
Another study from the National Library of Medicine found that those who had a hybrid schedule had better mental health compared to those who were exclusively at home. This study also looked at vaccination and masking factors affecting the employee’s stress they feel in the office. With these factors in mind, only around 7% of people felt that working in person with these factors in mind was more stressful.
The research does not answer the question of why employees experienced a heightened amount of stress or depressive symptoms.
How Mental Health Impacts Businesses
Even if you don’t want to think about mental health, it plays a part in how a business operates. Employee mental health impacts their performance and their connection with managers and other employees. Talking to your employers about your mental health can be a great way for you both to determine what will work best for both of you. Some employees do well with a few remote work days a week, while others won’t need any.
When employees experience burnout or excessive stress, your business profits could suffer as well. Mental health days and remote work days are something that employees are advocating for. Factoring these days into a routine working schedule will help all workers feel healthier.
Company Culture And Connection
When everyone in a business can work together and make a connection with others, a business can thrive. Employee relationships make it easier to collaborate on projects, improve job performance, and prevent the work day from dragging on. If you are someone who struggles with mental health, finding a job with a supportive and collaborative culture can help you avoid mental health challenges. A positive work environment that also understands when you may need a break makes for a more well-rounded business.
How To Transition Back To The Office
So your employer has asked you to come back to the office full time and you’re not sure how to keep up with your mental health and be productive at work. Here are some tips on how to achieve a smoother transition while staying on top of your mental health.
- Reconnect with colleagues or make a new friend
- Stick to a routine (sleep, meal prepping, morning meditation, lunch break, etc.)
- Refresh your workspace
- Set goals but also realistic expectations
- Take your vacation days
- Communicate your concerns to HR
- Stay on top of self-care practices, therapy, and other well-being tasks
Mental Health Help From Red Willow Counseling And Recovery
Our counselors and therapists provide evidence-based therapies for individuals, couples, and families. No matter what mental illness you are struggling with, therapy or counseling resources can help limit your symptoms. Red Willow also collaborates with other local professionals to help you achieve well-rounded care. If you want to see what therapy can do for you, reach out to us and schedule your first therapy appointment.
