An accelerated digitalization process and Corona restrictions have led to more and more people working from home. Most companies and employees have realized the positive benefits of remote work, but it also brings a number of challenges. In many organizations, the digital work environment needs to be reinforced and further developed. Below are tips for succeeding with the digital work environment, as well as tips for increasing cohesion and engagement in the company.
Test the work environment with a digital tool The first step is to assess the digital work environment. At Wellr we have digital assessments to examine employees’ work environment and ergonomics when working from home. By using Wellr you also gain access to the entire chain when it comes to the digital work environment: current state analysis, risk assessment, measures, and follow-up.
Change your working position often Digitalization means that more work becomes sedentary and often involves static, one-sided working positions. Sitting still for long periods significantly increases the risk of premature death, even for people who exercise regularly. Encourage employees to move – to change position. This can involve height-adjustable desks and micro-breaks to stretch. Use the rule of thumb that the next working position is the best one, and consider whether meetings can be held while going for a walk.
Be alert to the risks of a digital way of working Constant connectivity can blur the line between work and leisure and lead to difficulties concentrating. Watch for early signs that employees are not taking time off. Ensure, where possible, that the workday is varied. Encourage short screen breaks during the day and make sure employees take a proper lunch break.
Develop guidelines for information sharing Digitalization makes it easy to share information. For the individual, it can be challenging to sift through the flood of information. Develop guidelines for how information is shared. Who needs to know what? What is the individual expected to do with the information? Be clear.
Create an email policy at work Develop a policy for handling email and text messages. Define, for example, time frames for when emails and SMS messages should be answered. Clarify what expectations exist regarding digital availability outside regular working hours.
Don’t forget the social contacts The social community with colleagues is important not to neglect when employees work from home. We are social beings who feel better when we interact with others. Feel free to invite your colleagues to social digital events. We have seen many creative solutions among the companies we have worked with during the pandemic. Everything from digital group workout sessions to online champagne tastings. Try to think outside the box and create social and fun digital activities for your employees. This is necessary to increase engagement!
Virtual step and activity challenges Another way to increase engagement and give the company an extra boost is to run ongoing health challenges. Wellr offers the opportunity to work with various types of virtual competitions and challenges. Who takes the stairs instead of the elevator? Which department will be first to reach Paris in a step challenge? Will it be you who challenges your colleagues to start doing yoga? Let employees inspire one another.
Read more about competitions and challenges here.
