According to Mind, 1 in 6 workers suffers mental health issues in the UK. This is especially concerning for small businesses that have recently adopted remote working – making mental health support a crucial aspect to any SME. UK Small businesses have an unparalleled opportunity to create a flexible work culture around mental health in the age of remote work. And the best part of it all? It often does not need to be costly, nor does it require large-scale corporate schemes. Rather, it requires some thought and the right tools, coupled with a little effort and organisation.
The Importance of Mental Health Awareness for SMEs
Employees are the backbone of every startup and SMEs. With few employees comes the ease of new ideas and teamwork, which means taking turns identifying problems and solving them too. In a bid to meet the company’s objectives, staff wellbeing is most often set aside, and therefore making mental aid services an afterthought. Things like remote work could increase stress factors such as social isolation, burnout, and detachment from work. By providing a solid framework that supports and secures mental wellbeing at work, it becomes easier to elevate employee morale in a sustainable way that improves productivity, retention, and tightens trust.
Common Challenges Encountered by Remote Workers
As beneficial as remote work may be, it comes with new challenges that can have a detrimental effect on mental wellness. From feelings of disconnection and lack of structure, here are some challenges remote workers face:
Feelings of Disconnection and Isolation
Employees working remotely often experience the lack of social engagement which is a key aspect of working in an office. Not having an office culture results in disconnection from one’s peers, possibly leading to emotional fatigue and slow disengagement in tasks.
Burnout
If remote employees are working from home, their home turns into their workplace. This results in a blurring of boundaries between areas of rest and work. A lot of remote workers like to overcompensate and as a result, increase their workload which leads to stress and later, exhaustion.
Absence of Structure
No set timetable, no designated office, and no dress code all seem to be perks, right? But too much of these can wreak havoc on a remote employee’s internal rhythm and thus, impact their sleep, focus, and mental health.
Invisible Difficulties
Most mental health conditions often go unnoticed. In a virtual workplace, it becomes increasingly difficult for supervisors to identify employees that are stressed or experiencing anxiety. Employees may struggle to vocalise their feelings, and run the risk of being judged as weak or incompetent.
What Do Remote Workers Really Need?
Supporting remote employees is not as difficult as it may appear, however, it does require a bit of effort and organisation to implement mental health support plans. Here’s what stand out:
- Fostering a culture focused on well-being
- Motivating employees to switch off work on time
- Facilitating quicker access to mental health services
- Providing an accepting environment free of mental health stigma
- Providing mental health support in a systematic way
Ready to Take Action? 6 Practical Program Ideas to Support Remote Staff
Keeping your remote team mentally healthy can be achieved with a few simple steps like introducing mental health apps, virtual well-being hours and much more. Here are 6 mental health program ideas for remote workers in SMEs:
1. Mental Health First Aid Training
Prepare leaders to manage conversations around burnout and enable them to identify the initial signs of burnout. It’s about having the right attitude, caring enough to provide support, and making sure the person gets help.
2. Virtual Wellbeing Hour
A dedicated time that aims to focus on connecting people instead of solely meeting KPIs should be created on a weekly basis. This time could range from mindfulness sessions to creative get-togethers or even a virtual coffee break where everyone can interact.
3. Accessible, Human-Centric Policies
Clearly outline your policies regarding mental health support. Make them straightforward, and easy to locate. Use simple language instead of complicated terminology.
4. Mental Health Apps for the Team
With the aid of technology, employees can now access guided meditation, therapy sessions, and check-ins on platforms such as Headspace, Unmind, and Spill which are all affordable or even free.
5. Anonymous Feedback Tools
Tools such as Officevibe, CultureAmp, or TINYpulse allow employees to express their feelings without any fear or hesitation. Make use of this information to formulate policies that help improve employee morale.
6. Celebrate Work-Life Balance
Keep a balance between work and life. Take the lead as a role model. Encouraging breaks as well as time off is crucial, and applauding team members who pay attention to their wellness is also important. That shift in mindset can ripple throughout the other areas of the business.
