When the pandemic first broke out, the globe went into a panic. Health professionals advised social distancing as one of the measures to curb the spread of the deadly virus. This resulted in the closure of companies, non-essential businesses, and even schools. The world came to some sort of a pause.
A few weeks into the pandemic, people started to get anxious every time they checked their bank balances, but bills still had to be paid. Thankfully, most companies were able to accommodate working remotely from home. This has become a game-changer and has had various beneficial effects on many people in terms of mental health.
1. Financial Stability
One of the causes of the mental health issues was how people were going to survive now that they could not go to work and interact with clients and potential business partners. The introduction of working from home meant that workers could now continue doing their jobs remotely and get paid enough to sustain their livelihoods. At the same time, governments around the globe have invested heavily into mental health post-Covid-19. As seen in a recent analysis of government investment by CTM, Australia, Canada, Israel, and Ireland were among the top investors in mental health programs. Other than public health support, most of these governments have also put more funds into research and awareness initiatives.
2. Better Work/Life Balance
Looking at the topic from a broader view, we can all agree that families now have more time together than they previously had. With the pandemic and the introduction of working from home, people get to spend time with their partners and kids who have also been introduced to online learning. Children who didn’t have access to parental care and love now have more than they ever had. There is nothing as comforting both to the soul and the mind as having the whole family together, with each member getting to do whatever they do under the same roof. This kind of harmony is quite therapeutic.
3. Autonomy of Work
Scholarly materials have always given benefits of promoting autonomy in the workplace. One of the benefits employees have realized from WFH is the reduction of job stress and anxiety. Employees are free to approach work from their point of view without someone breathing down their necks as long as the end goal is attained. Working from home has shown just how effective the concept can be.
As far as work is concerned, people have been working flexibly with minimum supervision. To the employee, it means less stress and better mental health. To the firm or business, it can mean better work results and higher productivity.
Working from home has had a positive impact on the mental health crisis in various ways. From government support to family bonding and the ability to earn, we have covered some of these benefits in this piece.
