4 Ways Experts Agree We Can Maximize the Positive and Minimize the Negative Aspects of Telecommuting

When Gary Marsh’s department transitioned to a hybrid telecommuting model 18 months ago, he didn’t know he and his team were preparing for the new normal.

It was like a test drive,” says Marsh, Director of Talent Management for Harris Health System. “But now my entire team enjoys working from home.” It’s not just his team enjoying the benefits of telecommuting. Polling of Harris Health employees found by-and-large people are responding positively to the change.

This is not a surprise, according to Marsh and health experts like Michele Hunnicutt, Harris Health System’s Director of Employee Wellness. There are a ton of positive aspects about telecommuting. Says Hunnicutt, “Even before this crisis, I’ve been a firm believer in telecommuting. From a health and wellness standpoint, it’s critical that employers work with their employees to achieve a balanced work/life integration.”

And while some companies worry that telecommuting negatively affects productivity, neither Marsh nor Hunnicutt have seen this to be the case. In fact, Hunnicutt notes, because of the lack of office distractions and the personal flexibility telecommuting allows, employees are often happier, which leads to better productivity.

Rondell Bailey, an HR veteran who now heads Harris Health’s Learning and Resource Center, agrees. He’s been tracking the effects of telecommuting on Harris Health employees and acknowledges some real positives. Besides improved quality of life, Bailey has witnessed what he calls the “we’re still working” benefit, the gratitude felt by those lucky enough to still be working.

“The fact that we’re still gainfully employed is a benefit that shouldn’t be taken for granted,” says Bailey. “I believe recognizing this fact enables us to have an increased level of empathy for those not as fortunate and allows us, as HR professionals, a new level of patience that may not have been as prevalent before.”

Other benefits are emerging. Hunnicutt observes working from home enables healthier life choices. We eat better because we’re cooking our own meals, and we exercise because we have the time. Bailey notes employees of Harris Health have embraced the technology inherent to telecommuting. Because he sees a future where telecommuting becomes the norm, he’s excited his team now has these important skills.

Despite these benefits, telecommuting has some challenges. But all three experts stress Harris Health System managers are working hard to provide solutions to these potential drawbacks. Here are 4 tips that can help mitigate negative side effects of telecommuting.

1. Find the Right Balance to Your “Work/Life Blend”

Because telecommuting removes the physical act of going to work, Bailey notes what used to be a work/ life balance is now more of a work/ life blend. This can cause burn-out. “We’re doing more simply because we can.”

To combat this, all Harris Health managers have been conducting coordinated employee check-ins to make sure employees get the support they need. Says Bailey, “We want to avoid an out-of-sight, out-of-mind mentality with our employees.” Making adjustments to the amount of time during the day an employee must be accessible is how Harris Health is looking to stay nimble in order to lessen burn-out.

From a wellness perspective, Hunnicutt stresses a functional work/life blend is an important factor in maintaining health. Having a routine that designates work time and family time is helpful. When time to switch roles, take 10 minutes to transition. This helps maintain a healthy boundary between work and family.

Says Hunnicutt, “Life integration is more important than ever now. Routine helps. Creating a healthy workspace helps. Stay organized, keep good lighting, be near a window. And take your roles as parents and employees in shifts when possible.”

2.. Take Advantage of Mental Health Resources

While telecommuting, it can feel like we’re unmoored, alone to face whatever challenges the day holds. Many Houston companies have programs to assist employees and their families during this crisis. For example, as the Director of Harris Health’s Employee Wellness programs, Hunnicutt oversees the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Here employees can receive free counseling, financial and legal assistance, and resources to help locate childcare.

Regardless of your industry, your company’s HR department is most likely offering some support. If not, Houston has mental health resources you can investigate.

3. Make It Part of Your Routine to Connect with Others

Baily, Hunnicutt and Marsh agree there’s one important step managers take that we can do, too: connect with others.

Harris Health managers use short, personal interactions, or “one-on-ones,” to connect with employees. Personal interaction can be the difference between a happy employee and one who’s isolated or anxious.

“Connection with others is absolutely vital,” says Marsh. “From an employer standpoint, that means we’ve tried to focus on knowing the pulse of our employees. We want them to know if there are things we can do to help encourage them, we will do them.”

One-on-ones are not just for managers. We can help others by increasing our check-ins with our co-workers, friends and family. “Touching base with people makes a difference,” says Hunnicutt. “It’s something small we can all do to help.”

4. Know the Mental Health Warning Signs

Telecommuting has made the importance of knowing the warning signs of mental health issues all the more imperative. Here are the signs to be aware of when we check in with others:

Increased irritability, erratic work hours, anger, trouble sleeping, or frequent physical complaints.

“All these may mean your child or co-worker is having difficulty coping,” says Hunnicutt. Luckily, negative effects can be mitigated by relationship building. “Just touching base with someone is the first step.”

With these resources available, Harris Health hopes for continued success with its telecommuting program. If you’re feeling the negative side effects of telecommuting, seek help. Reach out to your manager. Look into mental health resources in your area. Check-in with a friend or loved one. You can be sure while we’re all telecommuting, they’ll be checking in on you, too.