Although Mental Health Awareness Month (May) has ended, it doesn’t mean that conversations regarding mental health should stop too.
After all, these discussions about the importance of mental health awareness in the workplace are vital to remove the stigma around the topic.
Everyone experiences ups and downs. Yet those who work from home may especially feel isolated from everyone else.
Why? Because remote work doesn’t usually allow for face-to-face interactions that office workers have and this can affect one’s social life.
It is also harder for managers and supervisors to monitor their team members’ well-being due to not being able to see their facial expressions, body language, etc., so burning out is very much a risk.
And while remote employees can do certain things to alleviate the symptoms of burnout and stress to one’s mental health, there needs to be a bigger dialogue about how these can be managed better.
So, how do you—as a remote worker—help increase mental health awareness in a remote work setup?
Here are a few suggestions.
Cultivate Psychological Safety
Not everyone will be comfortable sharing their struggles and issues with their workmates due to a multitude of reasons.
One, these people are (again) your workmates and not necessarily your friends. Sharing personal stories often oversteps unspoken boundaries. (Unless you really feel secure and safe around your co-workers.)
Two, it could be that people don’t feel safe enough. If the remote work environment feels hostile, the ones working there might feel that anything they say or do could be taken against them.
Third, your co-workers are not mental health professionals. Thus, they would be unable to provide professional help, if that’s what you seek.
Still, as a remote employee, you can improve mental health awareness at work by being open to your workmates’ struggles.
And no, it doesn’t mean having to give them solutions to all of their problems. Often, the simple act of listening to them (as long as you’re no longer busy with work, of course) is all they need.
Don’t Tolerate Toxic Behavior
A common misconception is that a negative work environment is only present in a physical office.
However, such hostile behaviors only seem prevalent in an office environment because people get to see them in person.
Remote workplaces can grow to become toxic too.
Much of the remote work culture heavily relies on effective communication. However, it can be hindered by a number of factors like the literal distance of the team members or even Internet connectivity.
This opens up a can of worms and may spoil an otherwise ideal working relationship.
As such, you should make it a point to never tolerate—much less, participate in—such activities, like gossiping about a coworker, for example.
If there are any issues or concerns, it’s best to bring them up to the appropriate person so they can find a proper solution.
Again, open and honest communication is key to making the remote workplace a safe and healthy environment.
Make It a Point to Socialize
Some people like having an online job because it limits their face-to-face interaction with other humans.
These remote workers might even think that so long as they eat well, have an Internet connection and a steady income, they are all good.
What they don’t take into account is that having human connections is still vital to one’s mental health.
Thus, make an effort to socialize with your co-workers.
You might want to share something interesting about your day or you might want to talk about your interests.
Whatever it is, don’t disregard the benefits of human interaction, especially as a remote worker.
Raising Mental Health Awareness
Discussions around mental health awareness are heading in the right direction in the Philippines, though there’s still a long way to go.
Keeping your mental health in good shape allows you to thrive in the workplace and lets you contribute your best. You’ll also be more likely to feel happier and more content overall.
On that note, if you feel like you can handle the remote work lifestyle—with all its benefits and risks—then check out Remote Staff’s job listings. This job board is constantly updated, so you are sure to find something that suits your skill set.
Remote Staff also prides itself on providing continuous support to their remote workers even after the recruitment process. If you wish to join a company that looks after your best interests, then register with us today!
