While technology enables remote work, it also makes it easy for employees to slip into social isolation without realising it. This disconnection can lead to a cycle of anxiety and stress.
Published Oct 11, 2024 | 9:00 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 11, 2024 | 9:00 AM
Representational image. (Creative Commons)
A glance at your screen, and there it is — another video meeting, another virtual chat, another reminder that the hybrid work model is here to stay.
It may have started as a necessary shift in the wake of a global crisis, but we are grappling with a unique side of the new work culture: the mental health challenges faced by remote employees.
From isolation, anxiety, stress and burnout to the struggle of balancing work-life boundaries, hybrid work is turning different from a dream solution.
At the first stance, it seems counterintuitive: how can people feel isolated when they’re constantly connected through technology? Yet, remote employees often experience an underlying sense of loneliness.
In a 2022 survey, over 50 percent of remote workers reported feeling lonely or isolated. Virtual meetings lack the warmth of a personal conversation, and messages can not replace the camaraderie of shared spaces.
While technology enables remote work, it also makes it easy for employees to slip into social isolation without realising it. This disconnection can lead to a cycle of anxiety and stress. The hybrid work model blurs the lines between personal and professional spaces, leading to a need to always be available, and therefore, burnout.
The lack of face-to-face interactions can also hinder team bonding, resulting in employees feeling undervalued and distant from their colleagues and managers.
Another challenge is the constant pressure to prove productivity. Remote workers often feel the need to over-communicate and stay available around the clock to demonstrate their commitment, which can increase anxiety levels.
Without physical visibility in the office, employees may fear being perceived as less hardworking or less productive. This sense of ‘out of sight, out of mind’ creates a burden to overcompensate, leading to performance anxiety and work-related stress.
The absence of clear work-life boundaries compounds this anxiety. When your home doubles as your office, the inherent pressure to finish that last email or take one more call often extends beyond regular hours.
This lack of a clean cut-off can leave employees feeling perpetually tied to their work, unable to relax and recharge.
While the hybrid model poses real challenges, there are effective ways to combat these mental health struggles and build resilience. The key is to incorporate mindful practices and structure into your daily routine to cultivate a sense of well-being.
Yoga-based meditative practices have been shown to significantly reduce stress and anxiety. Taking time to ground yourself through breath and awareness can help remote workers manage their emotional state and develop resilience against work pressures.
Programmes like Yoga of Immortals (YOI) focus on a combination of simple, non-invasive breathwork, and meditative and yogic exercises that can be done in the comfort of your home.
Such practices encourage not only a break from the cycle of stress but also promote a deeper connection to the self – counteracting feelings of isolation.
Maintaining distinct boundaries between work and personal life is crucial. One effective strategy is to designate a specific space for work within your home, making sure to mentally and physically ‘complete’ work at the end of the day.
Adopting a pre-work and post-work routine, such as going for a walk or meditating, can help mark the beginning and end of the workday, creating psychological distance from your job.
To combat isolation, consciously make time for social interactions. Schedule virtual breaks with colleagues, join online communities related to your interests, or engage in non-work-related group activities.
The aim is to enable meaningful connections, allowing you to break the monotony of solo work and regain a sense of belonging.
The pressures of proving your worth can lead to self-criticism and burnout. Practising self-compassion—being kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned—can help alleviate performance anxiety. Instead of viewing setbacks as personal failures, approach them with a growth mindset.
The hybrid work model is not just about flexibility — it’s about balance. While remote work offers the convenience of location, it requires an intentional approach to well-being. Mental health should be prioritised as much as productivity, and incorporating meditative practices can provide employees with the mental tools needed to thrive in a hybrid work environment.
Remember that resilience is built when worked on daily. With a conscious effort to maintain boundaries, nurture connections, and practice meditation, employees can turn the challenges of remote work into opportunities for growth and well-being.
After all, a healthy mind is the foundation of a balanced and fulfilling work life.
(Views expressed are personal)
