Remote working has become more common and necessary due to the pandemic, but it also poses some challenges and opportunities for inclusion. In this article, we will explore how to foster inclusivity among remote workers, and how to support their mental health and well-being.
Remote working can offer many benefits for both employees and employers, such as increased flexibility, productivity, and cost savings. It can also enhance inclusion by allowing people to work from different locations, backgrounds, and circumstances, and by reducing barriers such as commuting, accessibility, and discrimination. Remote working can also promote diversity of perspectives, ideas, and experiences, which can enrich the organizational culture and performance.
Alguns benefícios do trabalho remoto: 1. Poder passar mais tempo em casa com a família; 2. Economizar nos gastos com combustível e/ou transporte público; 3. Maior possibilidade de colaborar com projetos e empresas que, presencialmente, seria impossível; 4. Conseguir gerir melhor o tempo entre as tarefas de casa e do trabalho; e 5. Aumento significativo da qualidade de vida, uma vez que n?o estará diariamente exposto a todas as adversidades do trajeto casa-trabalho-casa como, por exemplo, sair de casa cedo para trabalhar num dia muito chuvoso, com neve, temperaturas baixas etc.
This is so important. Remote/hybrid workers need to show presence at the various locations. Starting from the top: leadership, managers, remote employees, hybrid employees, new employees. Imperative for positive influence/inclusion.
To begin with, the numerous benefits of remote working cannot be overlooked. It includes savings on travel, eating out, not requiring you to wake up early to get ready to go to the office during extreme cold weather conditions, striking a balance between your household chores and work, and working according to one's own pace and most importantly prioritising your mental health.
Hi, It's a two-way road, an employer cost-effective and employee freedom of job. Most importantly promotes work-life balance. Genius can add more to it.
One thing I have found helpful while remote working is - Flexibility of hours - Working from the comfort of your bed when you are unwell - Early log off when needed - Saves travel and energy - No distraction - Availability of resources
However, remote working also comes with some challenges that can affect inclusion, such as isolation, communication, collaboration, and engagement. Remote workers may feel disconnected from their colleagues, managers, and the organization's vision and values, which can lead to lower morale, motivation, and trust. They may also face difficulties in communicating effectively, collaborating on projects, and accessing resources and support. Moreover, remote working can create or exacerbate inequalities and biases, such as digital divide, invisibility, stereotyping, and exclusion.
It's so important when you have remote teams to check-in on them often. Ask them how they are doing, how you can help them. Include them in meetings, have video check-ins, schedule virtual team check-ins with fun get to know each other agendas.
By empowering your teams to set boundaries! Remote working dissolves boundaries and encourages an always accessible, always on culture when we don't have the physical cue of literally being in or out of an office. It is hard to tell when co-workers are at mentally at capacity or busy, through a screen so make it standard to share preferred contactable hours, lunch breaks and focus time and help empower teams to set these boundaries.
I love your perspective, however care has to be taken so it doesn’t become too much or be perceived as being too intrusive.
Algumas maneiras de superar os desafios do trabalho remoto: 1. Manter uma comunica??o diária com toda a sua equipa através de reuni?es por videoconferência; 2. Ter um servi?o de mensagem instantanea em que toda a equipa possa se comunicar em tempo real como se estivesse presencialmente na empresa; 3. Realizar forma??es, team-building e outros desafios online para motivar a equipa e mantê-la sempre unida e conectada; 4. Cuidar da comunica??o escrita para n?o haver ruídos, uma vez que, no trabalho remoto, em regra, 90% da intera??o entre os membros da equipa é feita através de envio de e-mails e mensagens instantaneas; e 5. Marcar um dia do mês para toda a equipa se reunir presencialmente na empresa e colaborar no mesmo ambiente.
Um bom caminho para o desenvolvimento da saúde mental, remotamente ou n?o, é deixar de lado os "discursos prontos de produtividade", e criar o hábito de ter conversas francas com a equipe. Uma das coisas mais desgastantes do mundo do trabalho é fato de que a "rádio pe?o" e as conversas "oficiais" quase nunca est?o em sintonia, e quando falamos de trabalho remoto, a ausência das conversas de corredor e cafézinho, acaba adoecendo as pessoas, que podem se ver isoladas diante desses discursos prontos de reuni?es oficiais.
To foster inclusivity among remote workers, it is important to adopt certain strategies that can address the challenges and leverage the benefits of remote working. Establishing regular and meaningful interactions, such as check-ins, feedback, recognition, and social events, can help create a sense of belonging and community. Clear and consistent communication and expectations should be provided through various channels, tools, and formats like video calls, chat platforms, and documents. Additionally, providing opportunities for teamwork, brainstorming, and learning like online workshops, forums, and courses can encourage collaboration and innovation. Flexibility and autonomy should be respected by allowing different preferences, needs, and styles of working like schedules, environments, and tasks. Finally, diversity and equity should be supported by making sure fair and inclusive policies, practices, and culture are in place such as hiring, promotion, compensation, and feedback.
Most of the networking happens over the water cooler, around the coffee machines and lunch tables at work places. No? The idea of remote working has changed this ideology leaving workers isolated. The concept of 'Mindful Monday's' or 'Wellness Wednesday's' are a platform for bringing all the employees at one forum and have a weekly video discussion that helps avoid mental burn outs. A monthly/quarterly off-site where all the teams meet and greet and have a day to discuss the challenges and achievements of work can prove to be a great exercise. Good Mental Health = Good Productivity
Reach out and say 'Hello" to your colleagues. In remote work, often the only interactions people have with coworkers is during work meetings. regular relationships can't thrive with that culture.
We often hold teams meetings in addition to in-person, at different locations. Our leadership team works hard at providing us with tools to learn, increase productivity and inclusivity. Without the flexibility of these tools, working remotely can be difficult. In my experience, I work more productively in my own private space, however, my presence at each location affords me the opportunity to feel connected and included. It’s a win-win ??
We often hold teams meetings in addition to in-person, at different locations. Our leadership team works hard at providing us with tools to learn, increase productivity and inclusivity. Without the flexibility of these tools, working remotely can be difficult.
Implement regular virtual check-ins and team activities that replicate the camaraderie of an office setting, ensuring all team members feel connected and valued. Offering flexible work hours accommodates different time zones and personal commitments, promoting a culture of trust and respect. It's also crucial to provide equal access to resources and opportunities for professional development, preventing any feelings of isolation or career stagnation among remote workers. For employees, actively participating in virtual meetings, sharing ideas, and offering support to colleagues can help maintain a sense of belonging and team unity. Both parties should strive for open, transparent communication for everyone to feel supported and included.
In order to promote inclusivity and support the mental health of remote workers, who may be more prone to stress, anxiety, and burnout, it is essential to set boundaries, manage workloads, and take breaks. Providing access to resources and assistance is also necessary, such as offering information, guidance, and referrals to professional help. It is important to build resilience and coping skills by encouraging self-care, mindfulness, and positive thinking like meditation, exercise, and gratitude. Finally, creating a supportive and safe environment is key; this can be done by fostering a culture of trust, empathy, and respect through listening, acknowledging, and validating emotions.
One thing I've found helpful is to check-in on your people, have regularly scheduled 1-1 video/teams meetings with them. Ask them how they are doing and truly listen to their responses. Ask them how you can help them, if they need help, etc.
One of the ways would be to have at least a quarterly (monthly if possible) one on one with remote workers - no and I do not recommend virtual as that's what you do probably everyday. This is in person meeting - either plan it around a physical client meeting you are scheduled to do together OR simply arrange a physical get together or a team activity. This will help you to keep a tab on your team, how they are feeling and you would feel connected to them. Can always be indicators to keep an eye on their mental health when you meet in person.
There are several techniques to boost your remote work well-being! Setting routines, maintaining effective communication, and taking care of your workspace are crucial. Don't forget to take active breaks and promote exercise. #RemoteWork #Wellbeing #Productivity #MentalHealth
Some tips for supporting mental health and well-being: - Frequently checking in on your co-workers - Have unofficial office calls and have ice-breaker sessions - Engage in activities that can reduce tension amongst coworkers - Do not pressurise employees to work after office hours - Hold surveys and ask for employees' feedback as what could the company provide to be more at ease.
To make the most of remote working, it is important to follow some best practices that can help you succeed and thrive. Establishing a routine and a dedicated workspace can help you stay organized, while using technology effectively and securely is also essential. Additionally, maintaining a professional and positive attitude is key, as is seeking feedback and learning opportunities. Lastly, networking and building relationships by reaching out to colleagues and participating in online communities is also important.
When working remotely, set a daily schedule to stay organized. Create a designated workspace, minimizing all the distractions. Communicate clearly with your team members through regular updates. Take breaks in between,to avoid burnout. Use technology for virtual meetings and collaborations. Prioritize tasks to stay focused. Stay connected socially to maintain team spirit. Make a plan for the entire day the night before you sleep
When working remotely, set a daily schedule to stay organized. Create a designated workspace, minimizing all the distractions. Communicate clearly with your team members through regular updates. Take breaks in between,to avoid burnout. Use technology for virtual meetings and collaborations. Prioritize tasks to stay focused. Stay connected socially to maintain team spirit. Make a plan for the entire day the night before you sleep.
La flexibilidad y la eliminación de barreras como desplazamientos y discriminación promueven la inclusión. Sin embargo, te enfrentas a desafíos como el aislamiento y la comunicación. Estrategias como interacciones regulares, claridad en la comunicación y oportunidades de trabajo en equipo son clave para fomentar esa inclusión. Apoyar la salud mental implica establecer límites, ofrecer recursos y crear un entorno de apoyo. Establecer rutinas y aprovechar la tecnología de manera efectiva son prácticas recomendadas para el éxito en el trabajo remoto.
My ability to manage the stress of working remotely has improved by using Slack or Trello to make a checklist that I can tick off at the end of the day.
Set a structured daily routine that mirrors an office environment, including regular breaks and a designated workspace to enhance focus and productivity. Utilize digital tools for organization and communication, keeping tasks and deadlines in clear view. Regular self-reflection on work-life balance is key; adjust boundaries as needed to prevent burnout. Embrace the flexibility of remote work to integrate healthy habits, like exercise and mindfulness, into your day. Stay connected with colleagues through virtual meetings and casual check-ins, maintaining a sense of community. Lastly, be proactive in seeking feedback and support when needed, ensuring you feel valued and engaged in your remote work setting.