Remote Work & Resentment

With today’s ever-changing world and work climate, it can be hard to know how to feel about your current work situation when everyone’s is different. Some people have the option to work from home, either full-time or part-time, while others such as essential workers, cannot work from home. This can breed jealousy and resentment. But there are two sides to every story and there are pros and cons to each side.

There is always a balance to the work world, whether it is visible or not. More than ever, people are aware that everyone has different circumstances, such as a person able to do the majority of their work online vs. a manufacturing employee who must work on-site. Either way, it is critical to have respect for people of every profession, because everyone is struggling in their own way.

Whether you have the option to work from home or cannot work from home, we have tips for you for dealing with remote work and the resentment you may or may not feel. Everyone needs a healthy work-life balance.

“Don’t judge a man until you’ve walked a mile in his shoes.”

-American Proverb

FOR THE EMPLOYEE

Spend time in nature. Time and again, studies suggest spending time in nature can be beneficial to our total wellbeing. If you can make time to be outside for some fresh air it may help you to destress and offer a time for mindfulness or contemplation.

Connect with loved ones. Talking to your friends and family can strengthen connections and offer virtual socialization in a time of isolation. There are many free and easy ways to connect with others, such as Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, etc.

Get regular exercise. Everyone knows exercise makes you feel better. So, try your best to stick to a routine and either workout in your living room or get outside (six-feet-apart, of course!) to break a sweat.

Make time for self-care. Whether that’s reading a book, working on a project you’ve been putting off, learning a new skill, or taking a nap – make sure you’re making time for yourself daily. Even if you just have five minutes and are homeschooling the kids, you still need to take care of yourself.

Maintain a healthy routine, if you can. Try to start good habits by eating, sleeping, and waking up at the same times each day. Avoid bad habits like: drinking too much to cope with stress, not getting enough rest, eating unhealthy foods.

FOR THE EMPLOYER

Here are three ways employers can better-manage those working from home to avoid disappointment and/or resentment from on-site employees.

Communicate more effectively. Though many work-from-home employees prefer to have less contact, it can be detrimental for team building. By creating a communications strategy that will boost team moral and connectivity, it can help to bridge the gap between your remote and on-site employees. Regular meetings via video conferencing is one way to do this.

Manage expectations. It is important that each party (remote workers and on-site workers) understand what is expected of them and each other. This mutual understanding will help to foster better communication and satisfaction.

Strengthen your company culture. By supporting your employees from the inside, it will help to avoid any resentment. Give your employees the opportunity to give feedback on working practices and suggest areas for improvementwill help them feel valued.

Sources:

https://www.vox.com/recode/2020/4/2/21195584/coronavirus-remote-work-from-home-employee-monitoring

https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-could-spark-a-revolution-in-working-from-home-are-we-ready-133070