It’s no surprise that in the year of lockdowns and movement control orders, that more employees are working from home than ever before. These arrangements have the potential to lead to isolation and depression due to the lack of contact with others and change in routines. Help your employees prioritize their mental health by suggesting these helpful tips and checking in with them regularly!

1. Keep a set schedule and routines

We function better and are more productive when we have healthy routines. Working from home can present obstacles to our usual schedule - kids needing care, a lack of privacy, and the temptation to work on housework during work hours. Write out a timeline to help you schedule out your day and choose a certain place in the house where you will work so as not to blur the lines between home and work.

2. Get outside

Fresh air does wonders for your mental health and sunshine (especially in the morning) helps set our circadian rhythm and leads to lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone). Find time each day to spend a few moments outside to refresh and recharge.

3. Find creative ways to connect with others

While we may not be able to grab a meal with friends, who says we can’t “Grab” a meal and enjoy a conversation with friends over your favorite technology platform. Plan a game night for coworkers to come together and play a tech-friendly game to foster relationships even while we cannot gathe in person.

4. Be honest with supervisors

Do you have concerns about your workload, feeling alone in that new project, or struggling with time management at home? Be open and honest with management and don’t be afraid to reach out for the support you need during these challenging times.