digital-wellbeing

Today, with all the transformations happening in the workplace, it is easy to get caught up in the constant demands of our responsibilities and forget about taking care of ourselves. 

However, if there’s one thing the pandemic has taught us, it is self-care. In fact, it should be a top priority for everyone including companies looking to improve productivity.

Self-care can come in many forms, from physical exercise to mental health days, and it is crucial for people to take the time to care for themselves. Moreover, companies have a responsibility to cultivate a workplace culture that promotes and endorses self-care among their staff.

Why is self-care so important for companies?

For one, it leads to happier and healthier employees, which in turn leads to higher productivity, a more engaged workforce, and better performance. When companies prioritize self-care, employees feel valued and supported, which can improve morale and reduce turnover.

According to a study by the World Economic Forum, workplace stress costs the global economy an estimated $1 trillion per year in lost productivity.

A big part of it is caused by a lack of self-care.

However, even when you are good at self-care, if your company doesn't embrace it then you can still burnout, lack productivity, and disengage from your work.

90% of remote workers reported a better work-life balance

A great of that example is remote workers. A study by Owl Labs found that 34% of remote workers reported higher productivity levels than in-office workers, and 90% of remote workers reported a better work-life balance. This is because they have more room to practice self-care. They can take breaks when they need to, spend time with their families, and engage in activities that promote their wellbeing.

However, despite these great perks, remote employees still struggle with a lack of boundaries. In that context, the lines are blurred between work and home life. That’s why, employees may feel like they are always "on" and struggle to separate their work and personal lives. A study by Airtasker found that remote workers actually work 1.4 more days per month than those who work in the office, resulting in an extra 3 weeks of work per year.

This is why managers play a key role here to support their team throughout this journey.

How important it is for managers to flag when their team is struggling

Many employees have gone as far as to attach their self-worth to how much they can achieve in a day. Adding to the absence of boundaries, it makes the perfect recipe for burnout.

This is why it’s important for managers to flag when their team is struggling. They need to check in with their remote employees regularly. Provide support, and create a culture of open communication.

Plus, managers need to be able to recognize the early signs of burnout and stress in their teams. Especially when working remotely. According to a study by Deloitte, burnout costs companies up to $190 billion in healthcare expenses each year, leading to decreased productivity, high turnover rates, and other adverse outcomes. 

Some practices managers can implement, are regular one-on-one with the team. It creates an opportunity to have a comfortable discussion and get a feel of what’s happening in their lives.



Originally published here.