Why it’s difficult to assess employees in virtual workplaces

Fundamentally, it’s the physical distance between remote workers and their traditional workplace that makes assessments difficult to carry out.

One of the benefits of remote and hybrid working is that an employee can select and curate their own workspace, free from the restrictions of standardised work environments. But herein also lies one of the most significant disadvantages of virtual working.

With every workstation becoming a bespoke construct, assessing the safety of these setups presents an extreme challenge, even for businesses with comprehensive DSE and employee wellbeing plans in place.

Unable to provide the same level of support to the remote worker as they can the on-site employee, line managers and business owners fall short of their duty of care, leading to a wealth of potential issues.

The dangers of virtual workspaces

Without proper management and care, remote and hybrid working can quickly become detrimental to employee health. Below, we detail the three main risk factors at play when we enter the virtual workplace.

1. Substandard home office set up

The transition to remote and hybrid work has prompted employees to create makeshift home offices, often without the professional guidance and resources found in traditional workplaces.

Inadequate chairs, improper desk heights and non-ergonomic keyboard and mouse arrangements can lead to a host of physical issues, from back pain to repetitive strain injuries. These ergonomic shortcomings can have a lasting impact on employee health and productivity.

DSE solutions are not always intuitive and the absence of DSE assessments can leave employees in the dark. Employers must recognise the importance of providing guidance on creating healthy home office spaces and investing in equipment like adjustable chairs and ergonomic accessories.

2. Diminishing mental wellbeing

The blurring of boundaries between work and personal life in remote and hybrid work environments has given rise to significant mental health concerns. As the office commute disappears, employees may find it challenging to detach from work, leading to stress, anxiety and even depression.

The absence of face-to-face interaction with colleagues can intensify feelings of isolation and exacerbate these mental health issues. Moreover, the pressure to remain consistently productive and connected in a virtual work setting can take a toll on employees’ overall wellbeing.

To combat diminishing mental health in remote and hybrid work, employers must foster a culture of support and open communication.

Encouraging regular check-ins, providing access to mental health resources and promoting flexible work hours to accommodate personal needs can help employees manage their mental health more effectively.

3. Burnout from overworking

The flexibility offered by remote work can sometimes lead to overworking, as employees struggle to establish clear work/life boundaries. With the office at their fingertips 24/7, perceived obligations to work beyond regular hours can be overwhelming. Over time, this can result in burnout, exhaustion, and a decline in job performance.

Needless to say, an employee experiencing burnout leads to dips in productivity, but burnout doesn’t only affect the individual. It can also have a detrimental impact on team morale and overall company productivity.

In light of this, it’s critical that companies encourage employees to take regular breaks, use their allocated vacation time and set realistic work expectations to help mitigate the risk of burnout. Additionally, fostering a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their workloads and seeking assistance when needed is crucial in maintaining a healthy and productive workforce.

Virtual DSE assessments: An essential solution

Cardinus has delivered more than 16,000 virtual DSE assessments in the last year, leveraging a global network of consultants in 191 countries. These experts conduct assessments in the native language, understanding local regulations and cultural contexts.

Following each assessment, we provide employers with two detailed reports with observations, recommendations and training information. Employers can review and adjust these recommendations to fit their policies and budgets before sharing them with employees. This ensures targeted interventions that effectively enhance workplace safety and wellbeing.

Final Thoughts

Employee wellbeing is the cornerstone of good business, regardless of where work takes place. As traditional offices give way to digital platforms, virtual DSE assessments act as a link between employers and remote or hybrid workers, offering valuable insights into wellbeing, productivity and workstation setups.

Contact us today for help managing the musculoskeletal risks to your office, home and hybrid workforce.