Emily Mellwood
If there’s anything we’ve learned in the past few years, it’s that remote work is here to stay.
But while it’s brought flexibility and freedom, it’s also contributed to some serious challenges like burnout, isolation and disengagement. More than ever, it’s crucial to ask: How can we support our remote workers’ wellbeing?
Here’s the secret: personalized, meaningful recognition. When employees feel seen and valued, their stress levels go down and their engagement skyrockets. But it’s not just about a once-a-year email on Employee Appreciation Day that says “Thanks for everything you do!” – we’re talking about ongoing, tailored appreciation that resonates with each individual.
At Reward Gateway | Edenred, we've seen firsthand how this approach can transform employee wellbeing, so let’s explore why that’s so important and what you can do to make it happen.
Why remote worker wellbeing is more critical than ever
The shift to remote work might have begun as a temporary solution, but for many around the world, it’s now a way of life. And while it certainly has its perks – goodbye lengthy commutes and hello flexible schedules! – it also comes with unique mental health challenges.
Isolation has become a major concern, affecting not just employee happiness, but productivity as well. On top of that, blurred work-life boundaries make it hard for employees to “clock out” mentally, leading to increased stress and burnout. And let’s not even get started on makeshift workspaces – the might be comfy, but it doesn’t exactly scream “optimal work environment.”
Common challenges to supporting remote workers
Before tackling solutions, let’s break down the roadblocks standing in the way of remote worker wellbeing:
Isolation and loneliness
Lack of in-person interaction can take a toll on mental health. Remote workers may feel disconnected from their team and struggle to form meaningful relationships, which can lead to feelings of exclusion and lower morale. Everyday social cues and informal moments of camaraderie – like celebrating a milestone or chatting over lunch – might be missed entirely when working from home.
Burnout and blurred boundaries
When your office is mere steps from your bedroom, it’s hard to unplug. It can become challenging to mentally separate work from personal life, leading to longer hours and a constant ”on-call” feeling. Without intentional breaks and thoughtful boundaries, the overlap between work and life can create chronic stress and emotional exhaustion.
Communication gaps
Remote workers can feel out of the loop, especially if clarity and transparency aren’t top priorities. Misunderstandings are more likely when relying heavily on digital communication channels like email or chat apps. Over time, this can erode trust, hinder teamwork and make employees feel undervalued or excluded.
Unequal access to resources
Not everyone has a home office decked out with ergonomic chairs and dual monitors. Some employees may be working from cramped apartments or dealing with unreliable internet connections, which directly affect productivity. These disparities can unintentionally create inequities and leave some workers at a disadvantage compared to their better-equipped peers.
Consider creating a work-from-home benefit bundle that can contribute to designated equipment additions or replacements for employees to maximize their productivity. Additionally, discounts programs that feature office supply stores can similarly help reduce the burden of upgrading.
Digital fatigue
Back-to-back Zoom calls can become exhausting. Constant screen time creates physical strain, such as eye discomfort and headaches, as well as mental drain from processing nonverbal cues in virtual interactions.
The lack of variety in daily routines can intensify the feeling of monotony, making it harder for workers to stay engaged.
So how can managers address these challenges head-on? Let’s get to the good stuff – 10 actionable ways to support your remote employees.
10 strategies to support remote worker wellbeing
1. Encourage healthy boundaries and work-life balance
Help employees set boundaries. That means reinforcing the importance of shutting down laptops at a reasonable time and respecting those “off-hours.” Better still? Lead by example – trust us, no one wants a 9 pm email from their boss, even if they know their boss doesn’t expect an answer until morning. Remind employees to use your designated chat app’s “scheduled send” feature to delay messages to business hours when evening work is unavoidable.
2. Prioritize regular, meaningful connection
Virtual doesn’t have to mean distant!
Create opportunities for remote team bonding, whether it’s casual coffee chats, virtual trivia nights, or simply a quick check-in via Slack. Reward Gateway | Edenred’s employee communication tools make it easy to connect through personalized updates, blogs, and even video messages.
3. Promote breaks and movement
Encourage employees to step away from their screens throughout the day. Walks outside and lunch hours spent away from the laptop are beneficial to mental health. Share wellbeing challenges or set up a virtual “lunch hour” to nudge your team to take real breaks.
4. Provide robust mental health resources
Mental health support isn’t negotiable. Offer resources like counseling allowances, access to meditation apps or mental health webinars to support your team. Reward Gateway | Edenred partners with Unmind for employee mental health support, for example, alongside our EAP and more.
Don’t forget to remind employees of these benefits – they’re only helpful if people know about them.
5. Offer wellbeing stipends
Speaking of benefits, why not let employees invest in their own wellness? A monthly wellbeing stipend can go toward things like yoga classes, gym memberships or even a home-office upgrade. Consider contributing to your employees’ HSA plans or offering a Lifestyle Spending Account to put the power of choice in employees’ hands.
6. Support career development
Remote workers need career growth opportunities, too. Invest in virtual training programs, mentorship opportunities and skill-sharing sessions to help your team thrive professionally. Ensure that all employees know the procedure to advocate for funding of external development opportunities, as well.
7. Allow flexible schedules
Everyone’s rhythm is different, especially if you’re juggling work with kids, pets or simply trying to squeeze in some “you” time. Some people work better in the early morning, whereas others will hiss at any activity before 10 a.m. Flexible schedules are a great way to respect employees’ individual needs and show that you trust them to get the job done.
8. Recognize achievements publicly
Employee recognition isn’t just a feel-good exercise – it’s a powerful wellbeing tool. Platforms like Reward Gateway | Edenred’s employee experience hub make it easy to celebrate achievements, big and small, with personalized award shoutouts, eCards, and even monetary rewards. A little public praise goes a long way!
9. Gather regular feedback
Want to know how your team is really doing? Just ask. Use a variety of pulse surveys, anonymous check-ins and manager-employee one-on-one feedback to uncover what’s working – and what’s not. More importantly, communicate these findings with employees to let them know their opinions matter; it boosts engagement and connection to the business when they see their suggestions implemented.
10. Leverage technology thoughtfully
Finally, make sure the tech you implement actually reduces stress, not adds to it. Reward Gateway | Edenred’s all-in-one platform, for example, keeps communication, recognition, and employee benefits in one place – and with only one login credential, streamlining your team’s experience without overwhelming them.
Improve your remote workers’ wellbeing with Reward Gateway | Edenred
Looking to supercharge your remote workers’ wellbeing? That’s where we step in. Reward Gateway’s Employee Experience Platform is built to foster connection, recognition, and engagement – whether your team is in the office, remote or hybrid, local or international. From personalized recognition programs to a centralized hub for employee communications and benefits, we’re here to help your team thrive.
Ready to make remote work... work? Let’s talk! Connect with us today to see how we can support your employees, no matter where they are. Because when it comes to remote work, happy employees are your most valuable asset.
