Going back to the office can positively affect your health
Working from home can become too much of a good thing.
Calls to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) helpline from the public seeking help have more than doubled since the start of lockdown.
According to Dr Colinda Linde, clinical psychologist and chairperson of Sadag, the move by a large number of organisations in South Africa to work from home has resulted in detrimental effects on mental health for a large number of employees.
The following factors were highlighted:
Longer work hours
A recent study reported that employees are working an average of two additional hours per day since working from home.
Linde said there is an increasing perception among some employers that when one works from home you have more time available that can be used for work purposes.
“Boundaries have become quite an issue for many people, with managers tending to message their employees and expecting replies or work completed after hours and a lack of respect for personal and family time,” said Linde.
Social isolation and workplace solutions
Linde noted that during periods of lockdown when there is no possibility of social interaction, there are significant detrimental effects on mental wellness.
“The office space provides for social connection and support, and a space to be separate from who you are at home – someone’s mother, partner, cook or cleaner. And for some people, the workspace is the only social contact or friendship they have.”
Being unable to access this type of contact can be particularly daunting for people who live alone without a partner, family, housemates or even pets, she said.
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Household conflict and disturbances
It can be equally challenging for individuals who live with family and cannot separate work and home life.
Many of these employees grab the opportunity when restrictions are lowered to go into the office even if there are only a few co-workers there and even if there is still a level of social distancing.
According to Linde, working from home can also become a case of ‘too much of a good thing’ with significantly more time spent with others, such as family members, over a prolonged period of time, which can cause conflict.
“In the office, you can be alone when you need to, but at home, you are sharing space with many others such as children who are competing for your attention, and adults competing for space.”
“Work and personal life is taking place in the same place, and it’s not a sustainable situation.”
Inadequate home office
Employers and employees alike have underestimated the importance of a proper office setup required for working effectively from home.
Ergonomics – the combination of psychological and physiological aspects of work-life, including the engineering and design of products such as chairs, laptop and desk position and height – is an essential part of enacting one’s job each day. However, when working from home, these advanced processes and systems are not in place and can have a negative impact on mental and physical well-being.
“Many employees’ homes are not sufficiently set-up for working from home – a place separate from the living and sleeping areas, with a good chair, Wi-Fi and lighting, and even a view.”
“The solution is going to be bespoke for each company and could start with a pilot project for a few months to see what works best for each role as well as the company, and the individual.
“A pilot does need an end date though, followed by a clear policy on what the hybrid workplace is going to look like for the organisation and the different departments within it.”
(Information: SADAG).
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