By Christine Tubridy Posted on

Strategies to Combat Remote Work Isolation and Boost Employee Well-Being

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According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace report, 25% of remote workers report daily loneliness compared to 16% of fully onsite employees. Remote work is still a highly sought-after benefit among employees. Luckily, there are ways employers can meet the demand for remote work and help remote workers combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. Regular communication, a digital support system, and prioritizing mental health can help employees connect with colleagues and managers to reduce loneliness and improve employee well-being and work performance. 

The Importance of Communication in Employee Well-Being

Various forms of business and social communication reduce feelings of isolation and help remote employees connect with their teams. Virtual meetings utilizing cameras create an environment similar to the physical workplace. 

However, social connections between colleagues are also crucial for building co-worker relationships. Managers can help foster these connections by encouraging employees to participate in HR social and well-being initiatives and virtual social gatherings. For example, virtual coffee breaks and team-building activities can foster social connections and maintain a sense of community. Vistatec introduced Wellbeing Resolutions throughout January, where we shared ideas to support remote employees’ physical and mental health. 

Building a Virtual Support System

Scheduled virtual interactions allow remote employees to connect. However, informal interactions that still account for accessibility and inclusion are equally important.  Virtual locations where employees can interact socially (such as virtual coffee, informal group chats, forums, or online social events) can foster a sense of companionship among team members. At Vistatec, we have created communities through interest groups like the BookClub and VistaYoga, where people with similar interests can gather. Challenges like our TanGo-ing Through Argentina initiative are an excellent way for employees to get active and even generate a little healthy competition!

Setting Boundaries

Without boundaries, the flexibility provided by remote work can erase the line between work and life, creating distractions and quickly leading to burnout. Creating a designated workspace puts employees in “work mode,” discouraging distractions and improving focus. It also creates a physical barrier to define work time and helps employees develop a healthy work/life balance, which protects employee well-being.

Taking Regular Breaks

Enhanced productivity is often touted as a major remote work benefit. But for employees without a strict schedule, skipping breaks and eating lunch in front of the computer can be all too easy. While this can seem like a good way to get more done, it can quickly lead to lost focus and burnout. 

Encourage employees to take routine short breaks so they can return to their workspace recharged. At Vistatec, we encourage staff to join our ZenTime relaxation session and Desk Out Work Out session. They can step away from their desks for ten minutes, breathe, and relax. 

Seeking Help When Needed 

Remote work changes the way employees communicate with co-workers and supervisors. It can also disrupt the ease of business interactions. What might have been regarded as a quick question in the office may end up as a question of, “Does this really warrant an email?” As a result, remote employees are often less likely to ask for help, even when they need it. 

Encouraging employees to reach out to their managers or the HR department when they are feeling overwhelmed or isolated can help remove this disconnect. At Vistatec, we have a dedicated Employee Assistance Program to support our staff, making it easy for everyone to connect.

Prioritizing Employee Mental Health

Remote work doesn’t have to mean a loss of community and isolation from the team. Encouraging employees to prioritize their mental health can help remind them of their individual value and improve their overall engagement. Share the value of practicing self-care activities such as meditation, exercise, and mindfulness with employees. 

How to Support Employees as a Manager

Managers play a vital role in encouraging a communicative and collaborative work environment for all employees. The following tips can help you support employee well-being and decrease feelings of isolation. 

  1. Schedule regular check-ins for your team. Establish a routine of regular video calls or check-ins with your team to stay connected, share updates, and maintain a sense of camaraderie.
  2. Encourage staff to turn their cameras on. Turning cameras on during a meeting allows team members to see each other’s faces, creating a sense of connection and engagement among team members to humanize interactions and help build relationships. 
  3. Use collaboration tools. Utilize collaboration tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Google Workspace to facilitate communication, file sharing, and project collaboration. 
  4. Encourage breaks and downtime. Remind employees to take breaks and step away from their screens. 
  5. Set clear expectations. Establish clear communication channels, work hours, and deliverables to ensure everyone is on the same page and understands their roles and responsibilities. 
  6. Provide opportunities for professional development. Offer virtual training sessions, webinars, or workshops to support continuous learning and skill development while working remotely. 
  7. Foster a culture of appreciation. Recognize and celebrate achievements, milestones, and contributions to boost morale and motivation among remote team members. At Vistatec, we share your recognition and appreciation through our Thanks Initiative.
  8. Encourage open communication. Create a safe space for team members to share their challenges, concerns, and feedback openly and transparently.

Going the Extra Mile for Employee Well-Being

Remote work has been proven to help organizations cut costs and improve productivity while helping employees gain the flexibility they desire. However, without the proper employee well-being provisions in place, remote workers can feel alienated from the team. Like all other workplace changes, striking the right balance in remote work takes ongoing effort and willingness to adapt. Employers and managers seeking ways to eliminate the disconnection remote workers feel will reap the rewards of a happy and engaged workforce. 

At Vistatec, we enjoy flexible work practices that allow us to serve our global client base to the highest localization standards whilst maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Contact us to learn more about our available roles and how we support remote workers on our mission to provide global content.