A Pulse on Employees' wellbeing, size months into the pandemic

[amoralesg001]

Title: A Pulse on Employees' Wellbeing, Six Months Into the Pandemic

Summary

This Microsoft Research report focused on the wellbeing of remote workers over the past 6-months during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Through these findings, Microsoft wishes to create and find new forms of technology that can help remote workers mental well-being and levels of productivity. For instance, Microsoft have used these results to help the well being of remote workers by collaborating with Headspace -- a meditation app. Their results appear to show that meditation has helped with burnout and as a way to transition from home life to work life.

Key Points

• Covid-19 is increasing burnout.

• Lack of separation on work and home life may be affecting many remote workers. For instance, commuting from home to work gave time for workers to transition and shift their mentality for productivity. Meditation at the start of work could help replace this transition for remote workers.

• meditation can help fight burnout and stress throughout the day.

Citation

Jared Spataro, C. (2020, September 22). A pulse on employees' wellbeing, six months into the pandemic. Retrieved November 02, 2020, from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2020/09/22/pulse-employees-wellbeing-six-months-pandemic/

[maherou]

This is very interesting article. Good to see some data backing up the observations. From my reading of the content, it reminds of a quote I derived from a conversation a few weeks ago about how remote work is going: "I am succeeding at work from home, but not at being home from work"

[amoralesg001]

I found another article that relates to the actions Microsoft took from their six month study. One thing they have implemented, is having employers do "Virtual Commutes", which takes allotted time for the day to transition and "commute to work". These "Virtual commutes" could be planning for the day, going on a walk, planning tasks with coffee and end-of-day actives such as reflect emotionally, celebrate accomplishments, add tasks to-do list for later and meditate. Through these actions, Microsoft is hoping to create a more productive and mentally healthy environment for its remote workers.