Undoubtedly, when working from home was more of an exception than the norm, employees with busy lives probably longed for a remote job. For many individuals, this has proven to be a “be careful what you wish for” scenario.
For all of its benefits, working from home might have just as many pitfalls. First and foremost, losing the separation between your living space and your office space is hugely detrimental. This blurring of the boundaries makes it hard to “shut off,” which is conducive to burnout.
Thus, organizations must be conscious that after a year of working from home, their employees might be on the brink of severe burnout. The associated problems range from talent disengagement and a sudden influx in turnover.
With the three tips below, you’ll help your remote employees stave off burnout and remain engaged in their work.
Keep Employees Physically Active
There’s no denying the negative relationship between inactivity and mental health. On top of that, related conditions such as depression and anxiety are linked to burnout.
Beyond working from home, your team is amid a worldwide crisis. Regardless of their professional environment, their mental health is likely under duress.
When you then combine those COVID-19 factors with remote work, you create a recipe for inactivity. After all, going into the office – in and of itself – requires action. It might be minor, but when you have places to be, you’re on the move. Now, people barely have to leave their bedside to work.
Encourage your remote staff to keep moving. One way to do this is through something like virtual Yoga for your whole team.
Similar efforts will benefit your talents’ performance. Exercising stimulates the brain and helps your team get a fresh, rejuvenated look at their work.
Help Your Team Avoid Zoom Fatigue
While Zoom has been one of the most significant workplace boons of the pandemic, it’s not all sunshine and roses.
Stanford researchers claim that Zoom is ” like a fire hose where you’re getting smothered with nonverbal communication.” A subsequent survey found that 10% of Zoomers felt high fatigue levels, while 33% felt some level of fatigue.
Really, the tech is all a bit invasive for your staff—their colleagues have a direct window into their home. And this intrusiveness can wear on the best of us.
Suggest for your team to turn off the self-view mode—this keeps the camera on, but employees won’t see themselves. This small act has shown positive behavioral results. Allowing for audio-only meetings will also help your team feel less stuck to their computer. Thus, it’ll help stave off “Zoom fatigue.”
Set Boundaries for Yourself as a Leader
Let the workday be the workday.
Just because you know your team is at home doesn’t mean they should be at your beck and call 24/7. Invading those boundaries is a one-way ticket to a burned-out employee who’s looking for a new role in another organization.
Your team might be concerned about pandemic-related layoffs, so they’ll succumb to pressure to put in overtime. Don’t be the leader who takes advantage of that vulnerability. Let your people know that when the workday is done, they must cease with all things work-related.
Failing to give your employees this necessary space will make them feel like they can’t escape. In this instance, they can’t refresh their brains and give you their best efforts.
You’ll also help prevent your team members from burning out by bringing on new staff that makes their jobs easier. At ITAC solutions, we have access to that kind of difference-making talent. Contact us today to find out more.
