We recently brought to light the need for businesses to do more in order to address feelings of loneliness amongst remote workers. With Mental Health Awareness Week just around the corner, HR and business leaders may wish to read the following list to better understand how they could provide support to prevent feelings of loneliness amongst their remote workforces.
How HR can offer support
- Enable access to remote support through apps and online – 49% of businesses in the UK said that they have used technology to support their remote workers according to a GRiD survey.
- Enable access to remote healthcare options – similarly, 38% of employers have increased virtual doctor and physio support for their workers.
- Check in regularly and ensure that everyone is connecting as a team. Encourage other team leaders to do the same.
- Create virtual meetings that are not about work. These meetings will give you opportunities to reach out to employees and provide emotional support and empathy when needed.
- Share your vulnerability. There is a high likelihood that we have all experienced these emotions over the last few years. As a leader, letting down your guard signifies that you are not afraid to be exposed and creates a safe environment where employees can share on the challenges they are facing.
- Provide supportive, non-judgmental conversations around mental health. Being aware of emotional triggers, and sensitive topics as well as knowing how to have these types of conversations is paramount. First, acknowledge that the conversation may be uncomfortable but consider framing it in a neutral way. Be sure to not single any individual out by letting them know that you plan to check in with them ahead of time. You should then empathise with them and let them know that it is perfectly ok if they don’t want to share their feelings at that moment in time. However, it is important to recognise when to stop as some employees simply will not want to discuss certain topics. At that point, you should draw their attention to other resources available to them.
- Promote company and community resources including HR contacts, EAPs or remote mental health and teleservices for those who may be struggling.
Loneliness is an important issue at the best of times, even more so in Hong Kong given that the current rate of mental health distress has risen to ‘critical’ levels. As our teams find a way forward through the end of the pandemic, it is crucial that HR leaders do not overlook the importance that their role plays in impacting the mental health of those around them.
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
