HAVE YOU SET YOUR BOUNDARIES? TOP TIPS TO KEEP ON TRACK WHILE WORKING FROM HOME, FROM INTERNATIONAL SOS AND AFFINITY HEALTH AT WORK

23 March 2020 , London —

Many organisations have suddenly had to implement an indefinite period of homeworking for employees due to the COVID-19 outbreak, bringing with it the potential for huge personal and business disruption. While some employees have experienced working from home on a regular or ad-hoc basis, others may feel a sense of isolation from this new working environment and the lack of social contact. For employers to share and to help support employees, International SOS and Affinity Health at Work have drawn on existing evidence and outlined ten practical advice tips to maintain mental health whilst homeworking.

Dr Rachel Lewis, Registered Occupational Psychologist & Director, Affinity Health at Work, comments, “Homeworking has, almost overnight, become the standard for a far greater proportion of the working population. It is critical to acknowledge that this method of working for over three days a week is often associated with increased mental ill-health and that employees may need access to support through this. One of the most crucial psychological risks posed by homeworking is social isolation and many will be experiencing loneliness; on top of feeling anxious and fearful. Homeworking is also likely to have a detrimental impact on our health promoting behaviours, which have been shown to not just be important for physical health but also for protecting psychological health.”

Dr Laurent Taymans, Regional Medical Director, International SOS, “With millions now working from home, some with the prospect of having family members around, others in isolation, this poses a major threat to the mental wellbeing of the workforce. While it is currently planned to be a matter of months for many, for some this could be a catalyst for the evolution of the workplace and the way of the future, if the opportunity is grasped. The way employees and organisations both recognise the challenges and the benefits in managing their workload while being remote will be a key driver to keeping motivation, and business objectives, on track through this uncertain and unsettling period and beyond.”

Top Tips to Maintain your Mental Wellbeing Whilst Homeworking – see the full information here.

Decide where at home work will happen
Keep a regular routine
Have a clear end to your working day
Consider physiological health impacts upon psychological health
Reach out to others
As soon as possible, communicate with your co-workers about how you are going to work
Prioritise informal communication
Build in regular respite to your day
Remember health promoting behaviours
Embrace the positives

For up to date resources and information on the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.

Notes to Editors

About the International SOS Group of Companies

The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives, protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help protect your people, your organisation's reputation, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity and sustainability.

Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, headquartered in London & Singapore, is trusted by 12,000 organisations, including the majority of the Fortune 500, as well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions and NGOs. 12,000 multicultural medical, security and logistics experts stand with you to provide support & assistance from over 1,000 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days.

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