Supporting Employees
The brain has a natural negative bias and tends to treat change and ambiguity as risk. When situations feel new, unclear or out of our control, anxiety levels often rise — and that can show up as reduced concentration, disrupted sleep, irritability, low motivation or overwhelm.
For employees working from home, these pressures can be amplified. Less routine, fewer informal check-ins and prolonged time alone can make it harder to stay grounded, especially when media messaging feels constant or conflicting.
How uncertainty affects employees working remotely
Remote working can be effective and productive, but it can also reduce the everyday structure that protects mental wellbeing. Without a clear start and finish to the day, employees may work longer hours, take fewer breaks and feel “always on”. Meanwhile, isolation can quietly increase stress, particularly for those who already struggle with anxiety or low mood.
The result is often a drop in confidence and capacity — not due to capability, but due to the strain of sustained uncertainty.
Practical steps employers can take
If employees are working from home, start with the basics and be explicit. Ensure they have the right equipment, access to documents and systems, and a clear understanding of priorities. Just as importantly, help them create a routine that supports focus and boundaries.
Supporting Employees in Uncertain Times is critical to their mental health and wellbeing.
Regular check-ins matter. Scheduled calls or video meetings give structure, while simple team messaging can keep people connected. The aim is consistency and clarity — not surveillance.
Where someone is struggling emotionally, respond early. Encourage breaks, reduce unnecessary pressure, and signpost support. Small interventions, applied quickly, often prevent larger issues later.
How Global OHS can help
Global Occupational Health Solutions supports organisations managing remote or hybrid teams through practical, flexible services. This can include telephone-based health surveillance, wellbeing webinars, written guidance, coaching and clinical advice. Support can be shaped to your workforce needs and delivered in a way that protects confidentiality while improving outcomes.
Supporting resilience through coaching
Coaching can be particularly valuable during periods of uncertainty. It helps individuals identify what is driving worry, build coping strategies and create manageable action steps. Over time, this supports resilience, confidence and sustained performance — even in challenging circumstances. Give us a call on 01273 359135 and let us support your employees through your employer.
Supporting Employees in Uncertain Times is in our core programming with each and every employer.
