Supporting your team through remote working

Tips for line managers

Supporting your own wellbeing and that of your team

It's likely that we'll be working from home for longer periods of time to keep us all safe during the coronavirus outbreak. It's important we recognise how it may affect our mental health and ensure we are taking care of ourselves and our colleagues.

Read a blog from Emma Mamo, Head of Workplace Wellbeing on how she is supporting her team and her own wellbeing.

Maintain a positive work/life balance and encourage your team to do the same.

It’s easy to work longer hours and take fewer breaks when working from home. It’s important you look after your own wellbeing so you can also be there to support your team.

Check in with team members regularly.

Working from home can be isolating; ensure you and your team have regular check-ins virtually and schedule these in advance.

Establish new ways of working.

Working remotely will require consideration as to how you will deliver work as a team. Some of it might be trial and error so it is also good to think about how you will reflect on what’s working and what isn’t.

Ask your team to create Wellness Action Plans

This is an uncertain and worrying time for many and some of your team may need additional support. Why not encourage your team to complete a Wellness Action Plan (WAP) and to share this with you?

Take advantage of technology

It's a good idea to use a range of technologies so you're not always typing or looking at a screen – switch things up with a telephone or video call so you can see someone face to face.

Encourage your team to use the support tools available

Make sure your team knows about the wellbeing support you have on offer and how to access it. At Mind, we’re offering counselling sessions via Skype or phone and have put the physical activity classes that we offer online.

Useful links

The Mental Health at Work Coronavirus toolkit brings together a selection of helpful online resources to support people at work with their mental health.

Acas have also produced some Coronavirus guidance for employees which covers self isolation and sick pay, business closure and if someone has to take time off to look after someone.