Supporting Remote Workforce Well-Being

As we know, work changed with the pandemic. For a handful of years prior to that, technological advancements and digital transformation had been geared towards recreating the human experience of connection to serve specific industries. Microsoft revamped Skype for Business to Teams, for example, because there was a serious need to meet outside traditional office settings in most sectors.?

During the pandemic, companies had to restructure how work was performed because there was an incredible need to protect the population. People could not get together for any reason unless it was necessary but work still needed to be carried out. From our research, it is estimated that about 40% of the workforce was remote during that period. Before that, the numbers hovered around 4%.?

Benefits of Remote Work ?

Naturally, remote work came with many immediate and long-term benefits. Writing as a parent, it offered me the chance to participate in parenting as much as anyone can. As a career person, I can confidently say I have never had that much family time. Let’s look at some of the broader benefits that apply to both employers and employees:?

For Employees:?

• Flexibility: Remote work allows employees to create a schedule that fits their personal lives, leading to better work-life balance.?
• Increased Productivity: Many remote workers find they are more productive without the distractions of an office environment.?
• Cost Savings: Employees save money on commuting, work attire, and meals.?
• Health and Well-being: Remote work can reduce stress and provide more time for exercise and healthy eating.?
• Customization: Employees can create a personalized workspace that suits their needs and preferences.?

For Employers:?

• Cost Efficiency: Companies save on overhead costs such as office space, utilities, and supplies.?
• Access to Talent: Employers can hire the best talent regardless of geographical location.?
• Reduced Absenteeism: Flexible schedules can lead to fewer sick days and higher overall attendance.?
• Employee Retention: Offering remote work options can increase job satisfaction and reduce turnover.?
• Environmental Impact: Reduced commuting leads to lower carbon emissions and a smaller environmental footprint.?

So, we LOVE remote work, or more accurately, we love the option of remote working.?

As it became the new normal, we started to see gaps in the process. A lot of employees complained about feeling disconnected, and these complaints still exist. Onboarding can be especially tricky when a new hire is joining a team they may never meet physically. Giving constructive criticism may be impossible when you cannot sit with your colleague and explain your thoughts. We have discovered in the years since the pandemic that human contact has many facets to it that must be recreated. There has been increasing focus on remote workforce well-being because we need to be able to fully benefit from the advantages of remote work without compromising mental health and well-being.?

The Different Facets of Well-Being?

Different companies define well-being in various ways, often focusing on multiple dimensions to support their employees’ overall health and happiness. Melanie Langsett, the?rewards, recognition and well-being leader for?Deloitte US, based out of the?Atlanta office says "There is no universal definition. Each organization defines for itself what it can influence… we define well-being as the ability to thrive mentally, physically, financially and have a sense of purpose." Expanding on that, here are some common aspects:?

1. Physical Well-being: This includes promoting healthy lifestyles through fitness programs, health screenings, and ergonomic workspaces.?
2. Mental Well-being: Companies may offer mental health resources such as counseling services, stress management workshops, and mindfulness programs.?
3. Emotional Well-being: Support for emotional health can include creating a positive work environment, fostering strong workplace relationships, and providing resources for emotional resilience.?
4. Financial Well-being: Financial education, retirement planning, and assistance programs to reduce financial stress are often part of this dimension.?
5. Social Well-being: Encouraging social connections through team-building activities, social events, and community involvement.?
6. Purpose and Career Well-being: Helping employees find meaning in their work and supporting career development through training and growth opportunities.?

Each company may prioritize different aspects based on their unique culture and the needs of their workforce, but most companies prioritize career well-being especially in the workplace. How does your company approach well-being??

Technology is the short answer to this. We believe employers can keep remote employees engaged and productive by leveraging technology in the workplace. Some organizations use a framework to tackle this challenge. ?

Moogsoft built social connections within their teams with the help of technology. One of the things they did was Coffee Connections on Mondays but the practice that really stood out was automatic pairings on Slack between employees who do not typically interact. ?

Hubspot’s Connect4 initiative was designed to create synergy in the hybrid workforce, and it was founded on 4 main principles: purpose, ease, equity and sustainability. Lately, at Contego, we have been encouraging Microsoft Viva as a tool to foster these connections because it contains multiple functions and outperforms most connectivity tools.?

Benefits of Well-Being in The Workplace?

• Enhanced Performance and Productivity?

When employees feel good physically, mentally, and emotionally, they are more likely to perform at their best. Initiatives such as flexible working hours, mental health support and wellness programs can lead to increased focus and concentration, higher energy levels and better time management.?

• Reduced Absenteeism and Turnover?

A workplace that prioritizes well-being can significantly reduce absenteeism and turnover rates for major reasons. Regular health checkups/programs can prevent illnesses and reduce sick days. Employees who feel valued and supported are less likely to leave their jobs because a positive work environment fosters loyalty. This ultimately reduces the costs and disruptions associated with high turnover.?

• ?Strengthened Employer Brand and Reputation?

Companies known for their commitment to employee well-being often enjoy a stronger employer brand and reputation. The best talent is drawn to organizations who value their employees. There are tech companies that have a positive public image because they are committed to making sure their employees are heard and appreciated.?

• ?Innovation and Creativity Flourish?

?A supportive and healthy work environment can be a breeding ground for innovation and creativity because it is characterized by reduced stress, a collaborative culture and encouragement of risk-taking. Lower stress levels free up mental space for creative thinking and problem-solving while a collaborative culture promotes teamwork. Most executives will tell you that they feel empowered to take risks because there is already so much support for out-of-the-box thinking.?

Contego’s Commitment to the Canadian Tech Ecosystem?

Contego is proud to be a part of the vibrant Canadian tech ecosystem, with a particular focus on Calgary. The city’s growing tech scene is a testament to its innovation and resilience. Contego supports this growth by providing tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of Calgary-based businesses. Our services are designed to:?

• Boost productivity: By ensuring that remote infrastructure is reliable and efficient, we help businesses maintain high levels of productivity.?

• Promote well-being: Our solutions are designed with employee well-being in mind, helping businesses create a supportive and healthy work environment.?

• Drive innovation: By leveraging the latest technologies, we enable businesses to stay ahead of the curve and foster a culture of innovation.?

As leaders, it’s crucial to prioritize both technological advancement and employee well-being. Contego is here to help you achieve this balance. Contact us today to learn more about how our hybrid infrastructure and cloud solutions can support your business and enhance the well-being of your employees.?