Remote working has become the norm in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. And whilst there are many benefits to this modern approach, it does also present the possibility of unique physical and mental health challenges. It’s clear that there’s potential for higher levels of productivity when workers are given the flexibility to work where they choose, but this higher productivity can also be hampered if the health risks of remote work aren’t addressed by both employers and employees. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common challenges.
Poor posture and joint pain
Slouching over a desk all day doesn’t do anyone much good, and increases the likelihood of musculoskeletal discomfort throughout the back and neck especially. Most offices take this into account when setting up their working environments, by providing specific equipment such as ergonomic chairs and screen risers.
With remote working, people can be tempted to work from positions which they feel relaxed in – such as lounging on the sofa, or even lying in bed – but these aren’t always the most beneficial for your joints, or your productivity. Not only will you be putting your body at risk of short-term pain and discomfort, but not looking after your joints can lead to an increased risk of developing arthritis-related conditions later in life.
Take care in setting up your home office to ensure your neck and back are supported at all times, with any screens you may be using sitting at eye-level. Invest in a good quality chair and make sure the room is warm and well lit. You can even go one step further by adding a stable footbase, if you feel your legs need additional support.
Isolation
Working alone can result in spending long periods of time without social interaction, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Unchecked, these feelings could spiral into mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Remote working can be more challenging if you’re someone who has a pre-existing condition which causes your emotional state to fluctuate. This can be the case if you have a mental health concern or if you’re experiencing a change in your hormonal balance. Women of menopausal age may need more support, as well as men experiencing “male menopause” (more medically known as andropause), which can cause sudden shifts in hormones and may lead to higher levels of depression.
Regardless of your mental state, people tend to suffer to some degree when they are deprived of human interaction. Make the time to chat with your team, or perhaps make a phone call to a friend on your lunch break to help keep feelings of loneliness at bay.
Emergencies
Remote working, by its very nature, means you’re going to find yourself cut off most of the time. While you’re never more than a direct message away from your colleagues, solo workers won’t benefit from immediate medical attention in case of an emergency. While it’s unlikely to happen, something like a sudden fall or an allergic reaction could leave you needing instant attention, with nobody else around to either aid you or contact the necessary emergency services. This could be a particular problem if you’re someone who regularly has seizures.
Make sure you leave emergency details in an obvious place, and try to keep your mobile phone on you at all times to prevent yourself from becoming totally cut off. If you live alone, ask a friend or relative to check in with you at least once a day.
Workplace burnout
Burnout isn’t a new phenomenon, nor does it only affect people who work remotely – but it’s certainly becoming more common in virtual workplaces around the world. While also contending with global issues that could adversely impact upon mental health, remote workers have found new challenges from this modern approach to working.
Most notably, perhaps, is the blurring of the boundaries between work and personal life, when both are taking place in the same space. When in an office, our working days are naturally split into different sections by commutes and scheduled breaks. However, at home, it’s easier for our professional responsibilities to spill over beyond our normal working hours, and there may be an added pressure to always be ‘online’. While checking the odd email or finishing up a task in the evening won’t do any harm, making a habit of never fully switching off from work can put a strain on both your physical and mental health.
According to Mental Health UK, burnout is: “a state of physical and emotional exhaustion”. Although they can sometimes be difficult to spot, there are several signs that you might be experiencing burnout. Being able to spot the signs early will help to limit the impact on your wellbeing, and encourage you to start changing certain unhelpful habits that could be contributing. Some of the most common signs include feeling tired most of the time, taking longer to complete tasks and needing to take more sick days.
To take control of your time when working from home, make sure you set clear boundaries with your colleagues and yourself, allowing you to completely switch off in between your working hours.
Take control of your wellbeing
Moving forward, it should be a shared responsibility for both professionals and their employers to ensure that health and safety is prioritised wherever they choose to work. From the financial implications, to training and advice, it’s crucial that companies buy into the continual process of optimising remote working setups, since this approach is seemingly here to stay.
While it’s certainly not all doom and gloom, and working from home can free up more time to prioritise our health and wellbeing in other ways, it’s important to be aware of the potential impacts of remote working, so you can take control of your mind and body away from the office.
