×
First-time login tip: If you're a REBA Member, you'll need to reset your password the first time you login.
03 Feb 2020

How to include remote and homeworkers in a social wellbeing strategy

Social wellbeing is an important element of overall wellbeing. It’s all about how a person feels connected, included and that they belong. Social interaction isn’t just a nice-to-have. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, those feelings of belonging actually rank just after the basic physical needs of safety, food, water and warmth.

4F0F-1580723380_HowtoincluderemoteMAIN.jpg

With such a significant proportion of our time spent at work – on average, nearly one quarter of our week, according to the latest ONS figures – it’s crucial that we’re able to engage with some kind of social interaction and develop social connections with our co-workers. There are plenty of ways that businesses can encourage people to come together and interact socially. Especially when you’re all in the same building, right? But how can you include remote or homeworkers?

Good communication matters

When it comes to social wellbeing, remote workers can pose a challenge. Physically being in a different location, and not having regular face-to-face social interaction can negatively impact on wellbeing. The key to helping improve social wellbeing for remote and homeworkers is effective communications. Here are some ideas to consider:

1. Regular check-ins

Be sure that managers and team leaders have regular catch-ups and contact with remote workers. Check-ins might need to be more frequent than with an office-based employee – perhaps weekly or twice weekly – and the importance of a quick, five-minute call in the morning to say hello shouldn’t be underestimated. Managers can also help remote workers feel included by arranging team meetings with video calling, and ensuring they are invited to work activities and events.

2. The power of social

Work social networks, like Workplace from Facebook, Slack or Yammer, allow everyone in an organisation to collaborate on projects, but crucially can also involve a social element. These networks – often set up like social media platforms – include features like newsfeeds, groups, events and chat functionality. This can help make sure that remote workers don’t miss out on all the social aspects of working in the office.

3. Face-to-face interaction

Although it might not always be easy for remote or homeworkers to attend events in person, they should always be encouraged to meet in person when possible. Company conferences and briefings, training and development courses, and social events like Christmas parties, are all a great chance for remote workers to come together with everyone and form all-important social bonds with their colleagues.

Your guide to better workplace communication

We have put together a free guide to creating an effective communications plan, designed to help businesses craft engaging communications for the whole workforce, wherever their workplace is.

This article is provided by Simplyhealth.

Enjoyed this article?

Read more about how reward strategies are changing to support flexible workers.

Want to know how your peers manage their homeworkers? Why not ask them on rebaLINK, our networking and due diligence platform.

Contact the Associated Supplier to discuss employee communication strategies.

In partnership with Simplyhealth

Our health plans make it easy for people to maintain their health&wellbeing.

Contact us today