Remote Employees Are Tired

Happy Sunday! Over the week, I engaged in a brief discussion with someone during my commute to work, focusing on the topic of remote work. A key insight I gained from our conversation was the profound exhaustion experienced by remote employees. It appears that there is a lack of equilibrium, with back-to-back meetings consuming their time and preventing them from accomplishing their core tasks. Today we explore potential improvements that can be made to enhance the working conditions of remote employees.

I spend the week thinking about what employers can do to make the work conditions more enjoyable.

I came to three things.

1. Explore alternative meeting formats: Not all meetings need to be conducted via video calls. Consider utilizing audio-only calls. This way, employees can have some relief from continuous screen time and reduce sitting fatigue.

2. Optimize meeting duration: Keep meetings concise and focused to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure that employees can manage their time effectively. Consider shorter meetings or breaking longer meetings into smaller segments with clear agendas.

3. Promote virtual wellness initiatives: Implement wellness programs or initiatives that specifically cater to remote employees. Offer virtual fitness classes or mindfulness sessions. By promoting holistic well-being, employers can help alleviate the physical and mental strain associated with prolonged sitting.

In order to ensure the long-term viability of the business, it is crucial to have employees who are in good health. We must prioritize the development of a healthy work-life balance. This can be achieved by promoting and supporting employees in taking time off and disconnecting from work when necessary. Additionally, it is important to regularly seek feedback from our employees and utilize their insights to improve our meeting practices and adapt to the changing requirements of remote workers.

Yours in Labour Relations

Nobesuthu Mahlangu