In light of this evidence, the implementation of targeted strategies to prevent stress and foster work engagement in remote work settings has become imperative . One of the most effective approaches, according to , is the cultivation of an organizational culture that values social support, transparent communication, and trust. Encouraging interaction among employees through digital communication tools that facilitate collaboration and experience sharing is also essential for strengthening team cohesion and promoting engagement in virtual work environments. A review by found that prolonged periods of teleworking exacerbate feelings of loneliness and heighten perceived separation from the organization, as remote workers lack the same opportunities for social engagement as their in-office counterparts. In a regular work setting, employees don’t have to think about creating a routine themselves, as they usually have fixed work times and schedules.
Lessened work motivation
COVID-19 working arrangements remotely led to feelings of depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, role stress, and overload, reduced personal accomplishment, and job burnout, increasing turnover intentions. Excessive work overload had, as a consequence, staff stress, emotional draining, professional burnout, and employee turnover. Collaborative remote workplaces and coherent organizational resources optimized work engagement and job performance, decreasing cognitive and emotional demands, behavioral stress, time pressure, and professional requirements.
- If you’re facing burnout at work, it’s probably time to take a step back and take some time off.
- Unlike short-term stress, burnout builds up gradually until everyday tasks feel overwhelming.
- She reminds us that we all knew how to take time out when we were children — we simply played by doing the things we loved.
Collocated work is the remote work fatigue case in which the team members are at the same physical location. This may be temporary due to travel to a common location or permanent because all collaborators of the group are at the common work site. Same location means that the coworkers can get to each other’s workspaces with a short walk and communicate via face-to-face interactions. In addition, during these meetings, coworkers can observe someone’s reaction by being able to see his/her gesture or glance. This allows for one to make sure that the group has common ground prior to moving on. Also, coworkers have access to common spaces for group interactions and have mutual access to significant shared information.
And encourage employees to turn off their video on occasion without feeling ostracized for doing so. “30 minutes into your first video meeting in the morning … you’re fatigued,” proclaimed Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. CEOs, employees, and everyone in between have grown tired of the Brady Bunch experience of a Zoom call. A 2020 survey by Blue Jeans found that remote workers work an additional 3.13 hours per day. Those who say they’re significantly more productive work an additional 4.5 hours each day. Many employees feel obligated to conform to conventional work expectations, including with their schedules.
Hear what teams love about using RemotePass.
- By 1984 a United Technologies programmer lived in Washington state and telecommuted to his Connecticut office, and the company estimated that executives with computers at home did another two hours of work there.
- Many employees feel obligated to conform to conventional work expectations, including with their schedules.
- When life happens, such as personal emergencies or appointments, flexible hours mean your team can handle it without stress.
- Regular physical activity can help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase energy levels.
- Since you’re working from home, consider taking your call in your backyard or while taking a walk through your neighborhood.
Learn more about building a foundation for sustainable and healthy remote employee experiences in our guide to creating remote work cultures. You can also decide to have Zoom-free days or choose to have video calls just for socialization. Talk to your team about their comfort levels around communication and agree on a plan that works for everyone. If you’re experiencing total burnout at both work and at home, it’s time for you to take action.
RemotePass has been so efficient for us as we have at least 60% of our team being remote. Especially for tracking if everyone has been paid out or if they have reimbursements, we don’t have to manually do it one by one anymore. It’s also really good since we are in compliance with each and every single one of our remote teams’ place of residence. It has made managing our remote teams effortless and has greatly improved the process of hiring, managing and collaborating with our team remotely.
Tips to reduce remote work fatigue
On the other hand, loosely coupled work has fewer dependencies or is more routine. It is important that all group members establish common ground about the task, goals, and procedures before working, but this type of work overall requires less frequent or less complicated interactions. The guidebooks, PowerBook, AT&T EO Personal Communicator, and Newton’s Law, used the term “digital nomad” to refer to the increased mobility and more powerful communication and productivity technologies that facilitated remote work.
Global Healthcare Resources offers a comprehensive range of wellness consulting services uniquely tailored to the needs of industry professionals. By recognizing the signs of remote work fatigue and taking proactive steps to address it, you can create a healthier, more balanced work-from-home routine. With the right strategies in place, remote work can continue to be a rewarding and sustainable option for both your career and personal life.
The Impact of Remote Work Burnout: Statistics, Causes, and Effective Solutions
Whether it’s a virtual coffee break with a colleague, participating in online communities, or attending social events, make sure you maintain regular social interactions. This can help reduce the emotional toll and ease the symptoms of remote work fatigue. This can lead to procrastination, missed deadlines, and a general feeling of being overwhelmed. Schedule regular video calls, send phone calls or quick messages to clarify tasks, and keep everyone updated. Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and helps remote workers feel more connected, even without being in the office. Reducing stress among remote workers is a big challenge, but there are ways to manage it.
Cluster 4, in yellow, explores key actions for fostering a positive relationship between remote work and quality of life, with an emphasis on social interactions and the role of support networks . The transition to remote work has introduced concerns that extend beyond productivity to encompass workers’ psychological well-being. Social support in workplace emerges as a crucial element, as it involves the networks formed to buffer the negative effects of work on employees’ health and performance 20,65.
Workplace isolation presents significant barriers to the formation of interpersonal bonds and the development of supportive networks within organizational environments . This isolation is a form of psychological detachment that may persist even when an employee is physically present, yet feels disconnected from daily organizational activities . In remote work settings, interactions are primarily mediated through digital technologies , which can reduce the depth and quality of interpersonal relationships 39,54. When virtual exchanges fall short of fostering a sense of collaboration and belonging, a sense of invisibility may develop, undermining both motivation and willingness to engage with coworkers. Ref. supports this perspective, noting that the absence of physical contact can leave workers feeling unprotected, a condition that may, over time, lead to social withdrawal and reluctance to seek support, either professionally or personally.
One prominent consequence is the decline in spontaneous social interactions typical of in-person work environments 17,18. 19,20 details how reduced interpersonal contact and the perceived lack of social and emotional support exacerbate feelings of isolation, anxiety, and disconnection and diminish personal fulfillment 18,21. Informal social interactions, previously fostered by hallway conversations, coffee breaks, or shared meals, play a crucial role in emotional regulation and psychological well-being . I’m a Social Psychologist and Mental Health Copywriter dedicated to fostering well-being in the workplace. I create insightful, approachable content to help HR leaders and managers understand and support employee mental health, empowering teams to thrive and companies to grow. Remote work may sometimes be viewed cautiously by management due to concerns about reduced managerial control.
In office settings, informal information exchange often occurs spontaneously during casual encounters, such as coffee breaks. In remote work environments, sharing information typically requires more deliberate effort and proactive communication. The transfer of tacit knowledge, often learned by observing experienced colleagues, can be more difficult in remote settings where unplanned interactions are less frequent.
Consider speaking with a counselor or therapist who specializes in work-related stress. They can provide personalized strategies to help you cope with fatigue and improve your mental health. Chronic stress can exacerbate remote work fatigue, making it essential to incorporate stress-relief practices into your daily routine. Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help reduce stress and improve focus.
It’s caused by various factors, from emotional isolation to the lack of clear boundaries between work and home life. Recognizing the symptoms early and taking proactive steps to manage fatigue can help you maintain a healthy and productive remote work lifestyle. Since remote work can lead to feelings of isolation, it’s important to stay socially connected with others.