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The Covid-19 pandemic has considerably popularized remote work, radically changing the professional habits of many individuals. While this new form of work offers increased flexibility and environmental benefits, it can also affect the psychological balance of employees. According to a study carried out by OpinionWay for the firm Empreinte Humaine, 31% of employees were on the verge of depression in December 2020. While some employees appreciate the benefits of working from home, others express psychological difficulties and suffering. In this article, we analyze in depth the challenges and solutions for a better balance.
Unequal working conditions when working from home
The practice of teleworking highlights existing inequalities in society in terms of working conditions. Employees work from home with very different situations and contexts. Some live alone, others live in families with children; some have spacious accommodations, others do not. These differences influence the adaptation of everyone to digital tools, external demands, and the pace of work, leading to very varied working days.
Social inequalities are also exacerbated by remote working. For example, some employees have access to quality computer equipment and an Internet connection, while others are limited by less efficient resources. Additionally, individuals who have more limited control over digital tools may feel overwhelmed and frustrated, which can also contribute to their discomfort.
The blurred line between personal and professional life
For many employees, especially those who are perfectionists or prone to anxiety, remote work has made the pace of an indefinite and stressful day.
The separation between personal and professional life is becoming more difficult for remote workers to maintain. Working from home can make the lines between work tasks and household responsibilities less clear. It is tempting to do household chores during breaks or to extend work into the evening. For perfectionist or anxious employees, this situation can create an indefinite and stressful workday, and can also affect sleep quality and leisure time.
The lack of human interactions when working from home
Teleworking is also changing traditional human interactions by replacing face-to-face exchanges with meetings, interviews and videoconference training. This lack of direct contact with colleagues creates a feeling of isolation for many employees, especially as informal conversations and moments of conviviality, such as coffee breaks or lunches between colleagues, disappear.
This lack of social interactions can also complicate communication between team members, leading to misunderstandings and reduced team cohesion.
The consequence: psychological suffering for teleworkers
The difficulties mentioned above, combined, can lead to psychological suffering for teleworkers. Feelings of isolation, demotivation, stress, and anxiety are common problems for remote employees. For example, living alone in a small home can be hard to bear, as can the perpetual distractions experienced by those who work surrounded by young children.
The OpinionWay study shows that the rate of depression requiring support increased by 36% between 2020 and 2021, testifying to the psychological fragility of employees working remotely. This finding is worrisome for businesses, as poor psychological balance can impact productivity, employee engagement and satisfaction, as well as relationships within teams.
Solutions to promote a better balance when working from home
To respond to these problems and promote a better balance between teleworking and the well-being of employees, several solutions can be considered:
- Hybrid work: Alternating between remote work and face-to-face work allows you to maintain social ties and exchanges with colleagues, while taking advantage of the advantages of teleworking. This formula makes it possible to adapt to the preferences and constraints of each employee.
- Set up dedicated workspaces: Encouraging employees to create a dedicated work environment at home can help to clearly separate work and personal spaces, helping to reduce stress and improve focus.
- Promote communication and social interactions: Businesses can organize virtual events to strengthen team cohesion and promote informal exchanges. Remote communication training sessions can also be helpful in improving employee skills and preventing misunderstandings.
- Offer psychological support: Establishing an employee assistance program, including consultations with mental health professionals, can help prevent or treat psychological problems associated with remote work.
The hybrid work solution offered by m-work
To facilitate the implementation of hybrid work and support companies in this transition, m-work offers a turnkey solution. It makes it possible to plan hybrid work, to measure its impact on employees and on the environment. If you want to know more about this solution, do not hesitate to contact us.
