So, the UK is in lockdown mode. Never before have we had such stringent measures imposed on us regarding our movements. Whilst the reasons behind the lockdown are clear to all, as we self isolate, work from home and restrict our social interactions, how do we maintain a healthy mindset and pay attention to our mental health?
The physical symptoms of contracting Covid-19 are well documented but what about the mental strain that is being felt locally, nationally and internationally?
For some of you working from home is not a new thing but for many, this week will have been your first experience of remote working.
Firstly, I would suggest trying to see the positives. Working from home does have considerable benefits, even if they’re hard to recognise in this time of stress.
Owl Labs surveys found companies that offered remote working, pre-pandemic, had 25% less turnover of staff. FlexJobs also found that 76% of workers would be more willing to stay with their current employer if remote work were an option.
So, if you’re struggling with the concept of working from home, remember it could open your eyes to the possibility of working remotely in the long-term.
There are many benefits.
There is no doubt that working from home does require some discipline and a steady routine but, in normal times, it can offer an increased work-life balance which offers flexibility, a reduction in stress and an increase in productivity.
Obviously we are not living through ‘normal times’ at the moment. However, it has forced many companies to look at the possibilities of letting the majority of their workforce work from home.
This is an unprecedented period of change but life will resume at some point. But from a work standpoint, a sharp increase in going remote will certainly be a legacy of Covid-19.
But, how do you make it work for you now, during this time of upheaval?
One thing that is crucial at a time like this is a focus on morale and team spirit whilst teams get used to working together remotely.
The obvious advice to all those working from home is to maintain the same standards as if going to work. This means getting dressed, setting time boundaries, taking breaks and getting outside (as long as you observe the strict limitations being imposed by the government).
But, as many thrive on the one to one contact that naturally occurs in the work environment, we would also advise prioritising human interactions. This means picking up the phone and talking to your team members or contacts rather than just relying on email.
We would also stress the importance on including video when it comes to communicating. It is interesting to understand the psychology behind non-verbal communication. Albert Mehrabian, psychologist and professor at UCLA established that people evaluate a message based on 55% body language, 37% tone of voice and 7% on content. That’s hard to always replicate on a phone call and even harder on an email. On a video call maintain good eye contact. A good example to follow is the way a news presenter would deliver their message.
When it comes to the wider team, if you are coming together on a video conference let everyone have a few minutes at the beginning and the end of the meeting to catch up and share personal news. This would be normal behaviour in the office so do not discourage it. People need to maintain connections particularly in times of social upheaval.
But most importantly, practice empathy and patience, be available for each other and appreciate and recognise what everyone is doing. Hopefully by adopting some of these practices, home-working won’t seem as daunting. Remember, your mental health is the most important thing to focus on at a time like this. Pay attention to it and look after yourself and those around you.