Championing wellbeing in remote and coworking spaces

As the world of work continues to evolve, remote work and coworking spaces have become increasingly common. While these new work environments offer many benefits, they also present unique challenges – particularly when it comes to looking out for the mental health and wellbeing of employees. 

Prioritizing remote workers’ mental health and wellbeing means understanding their specific challenges in coworking spaces and remote environments. To mark this year’s National Coworking Day, this article focuses on the wellbeing of your employees in coworking spaces. It will consider strategies for cultivating compassion in a company, particularly for HR professionals who are new to their roles.

Understanding the challenges of remote work 

Today, more than 30% of US workers are working in remote and coworking spaces, attracted by the sense of flexibility and independence. There are other benefits to working in a shared space with people from diverse backgrounds and in various roles (or similar ones depending on the space). Some exceptional benefits include increased productivity, greater creativity, opportunities to collaborate more, a dynamic setting to inspire and generate freshers, and a sense of belonging. 

Yet, in spite of all the plus points and flexibility, remote employees do report some negative factors of coworking, such as feeling isolated, disconnected, and burnout. According to an analysis by the Integrated Benefits Institute (IBI), 40% of fully-remote workers and 38% of hybrid workers can feel comparatively more anxious and depressed than someone working in an office or work premises. 

Additionally, the lack of face-to-face interactions and the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life can take a toll on an employee’s mental health. It’s also essential to stay updated about your internal mental health policies, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and mental health groups that are available to signpost your employees to. 

Perfecting skills to prioritize awareness

As an HR professional, it’s your responsibility to proactively address the mental health needs of your coworkers, both in the office and in remote-work settings. If you are starting out in a new role, whatever the industry, your company’s size, or however diverse the workplace settings and employees are, the key is to empower yourself with the right skillset. 

This might involve perfecting your listening skills, being empathetic, and more aware of the unique challenges and challenges faced by employees in remote and coworking spaces. By implementing and highlighting HR strategies across online channels you can effectively share the mental health policies and resources available to remote employees.

In addition, here are some useful strategies that you might like to implementing, including:

1. Encourage open communication: Create an open and supportive environment where coworkers feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns. Encourage regular check-ins, both one-on-one and in team settings, to provide a safe space for employees to share their experiences and receive support.
2. Offer mental health resources: Ensure that your organization has a comprehensive mental health benefits package, including access to counseling, therapy, and other resources. Educate coworkers on the available support systems and encourage them to utilize these services as needed.
3. Fostering a sense of community: Coworking spaces can be isolating, especially for those who have recently relocated. Organize virtual or in-person social events, team-building activities, and networking opportunities.
4. Offer wellness initiatives: Consider implementing wellness initiatives, such as yoga classes, meditation sessions, or healthy snack deliveries, to support the physical and mental health of your coworkers.
5. Prioritize work-life integration rather than just focusing on work-life balance, encourage work-life integration. This means finding ways to seamlessly blend work and personal responsibilities in a way that reduces stress and promotes overall wellbeing.

Supporting coworkers relocating to new spaces

When coworkers are relocating to a new coworking space, the transition can be particularly challenging. As an HR professional, you can play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and supportive transition. Start by helping your coworker research and select a coworking space that aligns with their needs and preferences. Consider factors like location, amenities, and the overall work culture. Encourage your coworker to visit the space in person, if possible, to get a feel for the environment.

Meanwhile, for those coworkers who have recently relocated, they also struggle to establish a healthy work-life balance if they move to an unfamiliar location and may feel more cut off from social aspects of their usual workplace. Once your coworker has settled into the new coworking space, maintain regular check-ins and appoint a mental health aider for your organization who can be trained to support remote workers.

You can promote a better work-life balance by encouraging coworkers to establish and maintain healthy boundaries between their work and personal life, such as taking regular breaks, setting aside time for self-care, and disconnecting from work during non-work hours. Additionally, consider providing your coworker with a welcome package that includes information about the local area. This can help them feel more grounded and connected to their new surroundings.

Read more: Half of workers see RTO as ‘visibility theater’, not productivity boost

Fostering a supportive and balanced culture

Ultimately, the success of your mental health and wellbeing initiatives will depend on the overall culture of your organization. It’s essential to create a healthy company culture of empathy, understanding, and support, where coworkers feel comfortable asking for help and prioritizing their mental health.

Encourage your leadership team to lead by example, demonstrating a commitment to work-life integration and mental health. With the most up-to-date resources and guidelines, be proactive and provide training and resources for managers to help them recognize and respond to mental health concerns within their teams. 

By prioritizing the mental health and wellbeing of your coworkers, both in the office and in remote work environments, you can create a work culture that is not only productive but also nurturing and supportive. This will not only benefit your employees but also contribute to the overall success and resilience of your organization.

This year’s National Coworking Day is a great opportunity to reflect on current remote-working trends and consider ways to support colleagues relocating to a new coworking space. 

Remember, supporting the mental health of your coworkers is not just a best practice – it’s a necessary investment in the long-term wellbeing and success of your organization. With the right strategies and a commitment to creating a supportive work environment, you can help your coworkers thrive, even in the face of the unique challenges posed by remote work and coworking spaces.