Haida Tahir, Director of Contingent Workforce Central at Kelly Services
It’s been a little over two weeks since the movement control order (MCO) came into effect and since then many people across the globe and in Malaysia have transformed their bedrooms or living rooms into their workspaces, with the hopes of containing the Covid-19 outbreak while maintaining business continuity.
Although the most of us are glad to not have to face hours of stressful commutes to and from the office, this does not mean this new work routine is without its own set of challenges. Working from home can indeed be quite stressful if not managed well, especially when meetings take place virtually without breaks in between. Boundaries can become blurred and some may find it difficult to disconnect from work, resulting in longer than usual hours spent working which can take a toll on an employee’s wellbeing.
It is essential for employers and their employees working from home to take the time to look after themselves and make sure they have enough time to destress during and at the end of a busy workday. During this new remote working phase employers are urged to be empathetic, understanding and flexible as their try to navigate this unexpected (and for some, unprecedented) changes to their lives.
Indeed, there is a lot that organizations and human resource specialist can do to help employees destress at work and maintain high happiness levels during the MCO. Here’s how this can be achieved:
Methods to boost employee morale and happiness levels while working from home:
Frequent breaks
Those working from home can find themselves trapped in a spiral with messages and emails coming in constantly and feeling the compelling need to address them promptly. These have led to employees constantly in a rush to finish their meals and get back to work. Some even sacrifice personal time or even rest to get work done, and while this happens in an office setting too, it is more stressful when it happens at home. Breaks have been scientifically proven to enhance focus, sharpness and motivation while at work.
Those working from home often don’t realise how often they take short breaks when working in the office. Whether it is quick conversations with co-workers, clocking out for lunch or a short trip to the water cooler to rehydrate, taking a few moments away from the screen can do wonders to an employee’s morale. This should be practiced at home too. Simply try walking around the home, take some time to rehydrate and stretch – spend some time away from the screen regularly, and you will see a difference.
Use video calls more
Prolonged remote working can result in workers feeling isolated and lonely, especially if they live alone. This is amplified during this MCO period with many undergoing social distancing to help curb the outbreak. However, Whatsapp, Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Hangouts are some of many communications platforms that also offer video conferencing options. Although at first employees may find it awkward and it does not quite replicate the experience of a face-to-face interaction, it is still manages to feel more personal when you are able to see the person you are talking to. Whether it is work related, or just for a quick catch up among work friends, video calls will certainly help boost employee wellbeing and happiness. Employers should certainly encourage the use of video calls and try to schedule them regularly to keep social isolations problems in check.
Games and activities (Virtual team building)
Although working from home allows for greater flexibility and efficiency, employees working from home undergo a lack of emotional connection that they normally would have when in an office environment. It is also known that virtual work teams that do not have the right practices in place, tend to lack a strong bonding can leave employees feeling undervalued. It can hamper productivity and make it difficult for team members to contribute effectively.
HR professionals and team leaders should certainly consider organising virtual team building sessions. This would involve playing a variety of games and activities that are meant to encourage human interaction and have fun with colleagues. From virtual Netflix party sessions to online quizzes and karaoke sessions, team building not only improves team effectiveness but can also bring laughter and comic relief to the online workplace which undoubtedly raises employee happiness.
Exercise please
One of the biggest draw backs to working from home is exercise. Workers tend to remain stationary for prolonged periods, ignoring the need to stretch and exercise. Those working from home with busy workloads tend to sit for as long hours until their work is done, and this is certainly unhealthy.
Exercise should certainly be encouraged, as remaining stationary for prolonged periods can take a serious toll on an employee’s health. As well as helping employees destress, exercise helps with the release of endorphins in the brain, which in turn helps relax the muscles and relieve tension in the body. From short 30-minute home workouts to interactive group yoga or stretching sessions, regular exercise will see employees be happier and less stressed while working from home.
Conclusion
Employee happiness is crucial in business today, as it is positively associated to improved productivity and better retention levels. It is vital that businesses consider the personal wellbeing of each and every employee in order to sail through the current MCO and come out stronger. These practices should not only be limited to employees working from home and can also be incorporated into your business practice in the future too, once business as usual resumes.
