The onset of the pandemic has increased the awareness of the relationship between remote work and mental health. Both employees and employers are discovering the importance of promoting employee mental health to improve productivity.
This importance could be seen from remote work mental health statistics, which shows increasing concerns in mental health issues while remote working. This stems from the fact that work from home impact on mental health has been mixed. Although many workers prefer it, many are also experiencing burnout and stress because of it.
To highlight the more positive relationship between remote work and mental health, I will discuss the six benefits of remote working to your mental health. Yes, remote work can be stressful and exhausting, but it can also help improve your mental health once you get used to it.
Remote Work Means No More Commuting.
Let’s start with one of the foremost causes of mental health issues for many Filipino workers before the pandemic, commuting. Between waking up early to avoid the rush of other people to getting stuck for hours in traffic, commuting in the Philipines is very challenging. Is it any wonder why many Filipino workers are constantly physically and mentally exhausted?
But with remote work, you don’t have to worry about commuting anymore. Remote work lets you start your day focused on your tasks instead of stressing over your commute, which increases work productivity.
Working From Home Means More Time For Rest.
Connected to my first reason is this one. Since you don’t have to wake up early to commute anymore, and most remote work has a flexible schedule, you have more time to rest. Believe me, having that extra hour or so of sleep goes a long way in helping your mind relax and regain its strength after work.
Of course, sleep isn’t the only form of rest you can do. Thanks to remote work, you can also take more breaks from your work if you need to. How long these breaks are is up to you. So long as you go back to work and accomplish your tasks on time, of course.
Remote Working Gives More Time To Spend With Loved Ones.
A great way to relieve stress after a day’s work is by bonding with your loved ones. Either playing video games, watching a movie together, or just conversing with them helps you relax and forget about life’s worries for a while. In a traditional work environment, you’d be hard-pressed to find the time and strength to bond with your loved ones.
But not so much in a remote work one. Here, you can balance your work schedule in a way that you can work while still having time to spend with your loved ones. Little things such as having a family lunch or catching up with your friends after work will help you relax and forget about life’s worries.
You Can Avoid Office Politics While Working From Home.
Ah yes, office politics. Nothing says stress other than seeing the face of an annoying co-worker. Not only that, but office politics also increases your anxiety as well. After all, who knows what your co-workers are saying behind your back?
Another of remote work’s advantages is that it minimizes your exposure to office politics and gossip. This allows you to avoid stressing over the prospect of interacting with annoying co-workers. In addition, not having to worry about them lets you focus on your work instead.
Having An Online Job Boosts Your Self-Confidence.
One of the most significant effects of the pandemic is the sudden shutdown of many businesses. Not only that, but the remaining ones are not hiring new employees anymore. With this situation in mind, being fortunate enough to have a job is a huge confidence booster for many remote workers.
Having a job right now helps give you a sense of meaning and purpose during these uncertain times. This sense of meaning and purpose helps combat increasing anxiety and depression during this pandemic. And yes, remote work can be exhausting, but this exhaustion also brings a sense of accomplishment after a day’s work.
It’s Safer to Work at Home Right Now.
And finally, One of the great things about working remotely right now is that you can limit the number of times you need to go outside your house. This is especially important right now, as there’s currently a newly discovered strain of the Covid virus.
Nobody wants to think about it, but going outside unless necessary puts you and your family at risk of the virus. Being able to stay safe at home while remote working helps reduce your anxiety over your and your family’s safety. Knowing this puts your mind at ease and focused on your work instead.
Conclusion.
And that is it. Here are the six reasons why remote work is beneficial for one’s mental health. I hope that this article helps convince you of the merits remote work has on your mental health.
