Business Responsibility in the Hybrid Working Era
- 5 Min Read
The shift to hybrid working, now embraced by almost half of the UK workforce, is not without its challenges.
- Author: Tina Woods & Elizabeth Bachrad
- Company: Business for Health
- Date published: Aug 1, 2024
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In the wake of global shifts in work culture, nearly half (44%) of the UK’s workforce has embraced hybrid working. This seismic change in how we approach our professional lives brings with it a host of new challenges that businesses must address. As we navigate this new landscape, it’s becoming increasingly clear that companies have a responsibility to support their remote and hybrid workers, ensuring both their physical and mental wellbeing.
The Ergonomic Challenge of Home Offices
One of the most pressing issues facing hybrid workers is the lack of proper ergonomic setups in their home environments.
While traditional offices are designed with productivity and employee health in mind, featuring ergonomic chairs, adjustable desks, and properly positioned monitors, many home workspaces fall short.
A significant number of remote workers find themselves hunched over laptops at kitchen tables, slouched on sofas, or even supine in bed, all of which can have a detrimental impact on workers physical health.
Research has long shown the negative effects of prolonged sitting, even in ergonomically designed office chairs. The situation is exacerbated when we consider the impact of working from non-ergonomic home furniture for extended periods.
Dining chairs, while suitable for mealtimes, are not designed for eight-hour workdays. They lack the necessary support for the lower back, potentially leading to chronic pain and posture issues. Similarly, working from a couch might seem comfortable initially, but it often results in poor posture, neck strain, and decreased productivity.
Ensuring Healthy Home Work Environments
The physical and behavioural health challenges stemming from improper home office setups are numerous. They range from musculoskeletal disorders and repetitive strain injuries to increased risk of obesity and cardiovascular issues due to prolonged sedentary behaviours. These health risks not only affect the wellbeing of employees but can also lead to decreased productivity and increased absenteeism, directly impacting businesses.
Given that companies are expecting the same level of productivity from remote workers as they would in an office environment, it’s their responsibility to ensure that employees have the tools and resources necessary for a healthy work setup.
This can be done by providing a comprehensive template for all home-working employees to complete, which assesses various aspects of the home office setup, including ergonomics, lighting, ventilation, etc. Once completed, it’s crucial that employers review these assessments alongside their employees to address any issues raised.
With this assessment, businesses will be able to understand where they need to support employees by providing ergonomic equipment such as adjustable chairs, standing desks, or external monitors. Investing in employees’ home office equipment is critical, as it will improve their overall health, ability to focus, and productivity.
The Mental Health Imperative
The other key issue raised in hybrid and remote working is around employee mental health and wellbeing. The isolation that can come with working from home presents a unique set of challenges that businesses must address.
In a traditional office environment, casual interactions and water cooler conversations foster a sense of connection and community, and also nurture creativity and learning across the generations. Remote workers, on the other hand, may go entire days without meaningful human interaction. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness, boredom, disconnection, and a lack of motivation.
The impact on mental health can be profound. Research shows that prolonged isolation can contribute to increased rates of depression and anxiety. Moreover, the lack of face-to-face interaction with colleagues can lead to a disconnection from the company culture and a decreased sense of belonging, potentially impacting job satisfaction and retention rates.
Businesses have a vested interest in combating these issues. Employees who feel connected and supported are more likely to be engaged, productive, and loyal to their companies. Therefore, it’s crucial for businesses to implement strategies to support the mental health of their remote and hybrid workers.
Maintaining Connection with Remote Employees
Regular communication is key. This includes scheduled team meetings and one-on-one check-ins. These should not just focus on work tasks but also provide opportunities for social interaction and team building. Virtual coffee breaks or informal chat channels can help recreate some of the causal interactions that occur naturally in an office setting.
It’s also important for businesses to encourage a clear distinction between work and home life. This could involve being mindful of meeting schedules, and encouraging employees to take regular breaks and use their annual leave.
Respecting these off-hours is equally important, as recognised by the Government which is planning to introduce ‘the right to switch off’ which will empower employees to refuse extra work outside their contracted hours, and while on leave.
The Path Forward
Addressing both the physical and mental health challenges of hybrid work can seem daunting, but it can be done effectively by implementing a comprehensive, and transparent remote working policy.
The policy should cover aspects such as ergonomic standards for home offices, guidelines for communication, learning and collaboration, shared expectations around working hours and availability, and resources for mental health support. It should also outline the process for conducting and reviewing home office risk assessments.
Importantly, this policy should be developed with input from employees. Their experiences and challenges should inform the support and resources provided. Regular surveys or feedback sessions can help businesses stay attuned to the needs of their remote workforce.
It’s worth noting that despite the challenges, many employees find hybrid working beneficial for their mental health. In fact, 47% of women and 44% of men report that hybrid working has positively impacted their mental wellbeing. This underscores the importance of not abandoning hybrid work models, but rather focusing on making them more supportive and sustainable.