Wellbeing | How managers can support the mental health of employees working remotely

With remote working adding an extra obstacle to workplace conversations about mental health, managers need to know that it’s ok to ask.

With no end to the lockdown in sight, employees are facing the prospect of many more months of working remotely, meaning that the mental health challenges associated with lockdown - isolation, loss of contact with family and friends, and specific anxiety regarding the virus - are set to continue.

Remote working presents an additional challenge for managers trying to identify employees who may be struggling with their mental health, as they are unable to pick up on visual cues and behavioural changes, like someone appearing quieter than normal, that are easier to identify in the physical workspace where you may spend more time together. Employees may likewise find it harder to disclose problems in a remote-working situation, with the option of knocking on a door or a less formal chat with a manager or colleague no longer available.

To support the mental health of remote employees, managers should create an environment where employees feel empowered to open up about mental health. Adopting a compassionate leadership approach can help. Compassionate leadership is not about diluting the commitment to high-quality performance. It is about listening to employees, understanding the challenges they face, expressing empathy regarding their difficulties, and taking caring action to support them - while maintaining professional boundaries.