BE KIND TO EACH OTHER

Be Kind to each other

Since 1992 April has been designated as Stress Awareness Month.  A time for us to reflect on the stresses and strains of live.  The idea is to encourage open honest communication and share experiences and that have helped us deal with stress.  Many of us will pop open a bottle of wine to unwind, some will go the gym, others will eat chocolate. 

There are questions arising around remote working and stress levels.  Although triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, now two years on there is still a significant number of the workforce working remotely.  Candidates and clients seem to have a very mixed views on the benefits of this.  Certainly, it works for many.  However, research is now showing that whilst some people have adapted well to the new way of working, others have struggled with the challenges that come with remote work.

One of the main challenges of remote work is social isolation. Many people who work from home may feel lonely and disconnected from their colleagues, leading to feelings of anxiety and depression. Additionally, the lack of structure and routine that comes with remote work can make it challenging for individuals to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This can lead to burnout, which can have long-term negative effects on mental health.

Furthermore, remote work can blur the boundaries between work and home life, leading to increased stress and feelings of being "always on." This can make it difficult for individuals to disconnect and relax, leading to increased levels of anxiety and depression.

Overall, while remote work offers many benefits, it can also have a negative impact on mental health if not managed properly. It is important for individuals and organizations to prioritise mental health and find ways to support employees who are working remotely.

Organisations such as the Stress Management Society https://www.stress.org.uk/ offer helpful advice.  Reach out and help to ease your stress levels.  Paraphrasing from my own favourite quote in the Book of Joy in which Desmond Tutu advises ‘ do not stress about things you can do nothing about.  Similarly, do not stress about things you can change, make the changes and relieve the stress. '

Christina Gray