In the post-Covid era, remote working has become commonplace in corporations worldwide. But ensuring that it works well for everyone in your team can be a challenge. In this article, we explore best practices to keep your hybrid or remote workforce happy, healthy, and motivated - whenever, wherever, and however they work.
Less than five years ago, the opportunity to work hybrid or remotely was a corporate perk, offered rarely in most industries, and at a company’s discretion. However the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 meant that, for the first time, millions of corporate workers adapted to working from home. And now, many are keen to keep it that way.
A recent study by recruitment specialists Michael Page claimed that 66% of UAE job applicants are looking for roles with either hybrid or fully remote working arrangements. And, of those interviewed, 27% wanted to work from home permanently.
Remote working brings plenty of benefits for workers. From greater autonomy, to reduced travel costs, and a better work-life balance, it can increase productivity and lead to greater employee well-being. However, it can also give rise to feelings of isolation, diminished motivation, and potential burnout.
So, what can you, as an employer - or an employee - do to combat this?
Establish firm work/life boundaries
78% of employees in the GCC believe that their digital habits and overall health have deteriorated since the pandemic. From back-to-back video calls, to incessant Whatsapp communication, an ‘always on’ remote working culture means that many employees struggle to switch off. This perpetual connectivity gradually gives rise to digital fatigue, adversely affecting motivation, productivity, and overall well-being in the long run.
To establish a remote work culture that fosters a healthy separation between work and personal life, it is advisable to implement company-wide communication cut-off times - for example, no calls or messages between 8pm and 8am. Additionally, offering a ‘flextime’ work schedule, which allows employees to choose their start and end times within a set range of core hours (e.g. 8am to 6pm), can also help employees to build a working day that suits their lifestyle.
Promote your company’s healthcare provisions
Whether an employee is in the office five days a week or fully remote, their physical and mental health can benefit immensely from the healthcare provisions available through their company. Health insurance providers such as GulfCare provide fully tailored corporate health insurance solutions, to accommodate companies of all sizes across the GCC. From prescription delivery services, to tele-health consultations and fitness and nutrition plans, we provide a range of integrated products that benefit both remote and in-office employees.
With GulfCare, employees can also benefit from treatment outside the UAE. We partner with reputable assistance companies worldwide, to provide cover for elective or emergency treatment abroad. So, regardless of their location, be it a business trip or family holiday, employees benefit from 24/7 evacuation and treatment services.
Focus on the human behind the screen
When colleagues are working remotely, it can be easy to lose the human element of day-to-day interactions that we would otherwise enjoy in an office environment.
Research from leading universities has demonstrated that virtual meetings equate to a higher cognitive load - and can therefore be significantly more tiring - than face-to-face meetings. It can also be much more difficult to read a person’s body language and distinguish tone in a virtual meeting. This can easily lead to miscommunication, and misinterpretation of feedback or constructive criticism.
Be sure to schedule regular, friendly one-to-one sessions with each of your team members. This will reinforce their sense of individual value as an employee, allow them to privately share any personal health or well-being issues that you may need to be aware of, and help you as a leader to keep track of any adjustments or circumstances that need to be taken into account.
If you sense that a remote employee is experiencing difficulties, and if your workplace has an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), it is also worth reiterating the range of support available. For example, as part of its tailored health insurance solutions, GulfCare can provide 24/7 access to a confidential support service for employees who are experiencing mental and emotional well-being concerns.
Remote work brings many benefits - but it can also represent challenges for employees. However, by investing in comprehensive corporate health insurance solutions from a leading provider such as GulfCare, you can help your remote employees to feel safe and supported - no matter where they are.
To learn more about how GulfCare can support you and your employees with fully customisable healthcare solutions, get in touch today.
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