In a matter of just a few weeks, the coronavirus outbreak has prompted perhaps the largest ever experiment in remote working. Across all six continents, we’ve seen a significant portion of businesses moving their operations online at speed, with many workers being instructed to switch their workstations from the usual confines of the office, to the comfort of their own homes.
For many, it’s a transition that can present challenges, particularly when it comes to maintaining our mental wellbeing. Working in increasingly isolated environments, without the level of human interaction we are accustomed to, can be problematic for any worker – and especially for those currently living by themselves.
We’ve seen a host of articles and information providing tips to help people deal with the changes - all geared for us to make the most of our home office and look out for our wellbeing. Here, we’ve distilled some of the information you need to help support your mental health through the changes:
- Coronavirus and your wellbeing – Though having bad mental health can be debilitating, experts agree that small incremental changes can be a vital step in boosting your mood. This is where the UK’s leading mental health charity Mind provides some invaluable resources, with practical pointers you can implement to improve your mindset. The organisation also provides extensive resources for employers for this period, helping them ensure the wellbeing of their teams is looked after during this time of change.
- 3 tips to avoid WFH burnout – As the lines between your work life and your personal life become increasingly blurred, ensuring you are not overstretching yourself is paramount to keeping your wellbeing intact. Here, the Harvard Business Review shares three instrumental ways workers can successfully compartmentalise their lives – all with the goal of keeping your mental health on track.
- How to look after your wellbeing while at home – Some helpful insights from mental health specialist Joshua Fletcher, detailing some of the steps you can put in place to ensure your home is a happy one through this transition. From tips on living in a confined space, the importance of reassuring yourself, and being mindful of your own boundaries, these insights are geared to help you make sense of your new work surroundings and boost your happiness levels in them.
- Coronavirus and isolation: support yourself and your colleagues – Keeping in regular communication with your colleagues is not just good for your work, it’s also important for your state of mind. Mental Health at Work has produced a number of toolkits to this end, which highlight the role of keeping conversation rates high at this time, with additional materials that are tailored for staff of all experience levels.
