Many jobs on the market are offering fully remote schedules and more than half of companies are offering hybrid work schedules. This trend is only becoming increasingly more popular as employees continue to demand work from home options. The COVID-19 pandemic proved to many organizations that a remote workforce can operate and produce results. However, the shift to a virtual workplace has brought about a new set of challenges and considerations for HR professionals. Some key challenges involve engagement, productivity, and overall well-being. Understanding the employee experience within a virtual landscape will allow HR professionals to increase retention and company results.
Promoting a Work-Life Balance
One of the key aspects of employee well-being in a virtual work environment is maintaining a healthy work-life balance. A challenge with remote work is that there is often no physical separation between the personal and professional spaces. HR professionals are now actively promoting strategies to help employees establish these boundaries to create a sense of structure in their remote work environment. Implementing standards for not working outside of the normal operating hours and having a designated working space will create an overall better experience for the employee. During the recruitment and onboarding phases, employers should consider what the remote worker needs at home to be successful in their work before starting the job.
Fostering Engagement
To address any potential isolation that comes with remote work, HR professionals are also focusing on fostering virtual connections and a sense of belonging within the organization. This is especially critical for the new remote employee who has not yet established many connections within the organization. Getting them set up with a network early-on will help them to adjust to the organizational culture and encourage retention. Additionally, facilitating regular team meetings, virtual social events, and creating online communities where employees can engage and support each other will help to cultivate a culture of collaboration. Employee resource groups are a must for all organizations, but can provide additional opportunities to remote workers by connecting them with peers across the organization to find support based on particular needs. By prioritizing these initiatives, HR professionals aim to combat feelings of loneliness and promote a positive work culture.
Offering Mental Health Resources
Additionally, HR departments are recognizing the need for increased support in managing mental health and well-being. The absence of in-person interactions can make it challenging for employees to express their concerns and seek support. To bridge this gap, HR professionals are implementing virtual mental health programs, providing access to counseling services, and promoting resources for self-care and stress management. Looking into what your organization’s medical plan offers in terms of mental health is another great idea. Many organizations offer Employee Assistance Plans (EAPs) that can help employees access a counselor, back-up childcare, and other mental health resources that employees are not always aware of.
Encouraging Healthy Behaviors
Furthermore, HR professionals are actively promoting the importance of maintaining a health lifestyle while working remotely. Encouraging employees to take regular breaks, engage in physical activity, and practice mindfulness are some of the initiatives being put into place. One way for HR professionals to engage employees in a healthy lifestyle is to create an incentive for participation. Many organizations offer benefits such as gift cards or reduced insurance rates for participating in optional healthy activities, such as getting a yearly physical or taking a health assessment. By emphasizing the significance of self-care, HR professionals aim to improve overall employee well-being and productivity.
Conclusion
As the virtual work environment continues to evolve, HR professionals and managers will play a critical role in facilitating the adoption of policies and practices that aim to meet the needs of the remote workforce. By prioritizing employee well-being and engagement, organizations can create a supportive and thriving remote work culture that not only benefits individual employees but also contributes to the overall success of the company.