Contractor Wellbeing - Remote Working

24% agreed

46% disagreed

30% neither agreed or disagreed

Does remote working lead to feelings of isolation?

Given COVID has now made remote work more accessible to companies globally, it is somewhat surprising that only 46% of contractors disagreed / strongly disagreed with remote working leading to them feeling isolated.

Of the people who agreed, common responses to why they felt this were:

Missing the informal catch ups and chats in the corridor, kitchen or at lunch.

I have had to adapt to virtual interactions with people.

We accept the limitations of it, but we underestimate the disadvantages. I have struggled with drawing boundaries between home and work. I feel overworked and often stressed.

Not being able to chat with your team makes it hard to connect.

Most conversations are part of formal meetings. Sometimes it lacks interaction.

Work is not just about the widgets but the people and social interactions.

Missing the conversations with my team. That adds value to my daily experience.

We have lost the opportunity to find out about other parts of the business.

WFH means you are only focused on your work or project.

You don't hear about the other work or changes happening in the office. There is no real chance to share learnings from other teams or projects. No ‘water cooler’ conversations.

The above data clearly showcases that belonging is one of the most important human issues. Forming bonds, having those ‘water cooler’ conversations, grabbing a quick coffee with your team is something that is priceless. Whilst there is a substantial number of contractors who do feel that they belong in organisations, the number of those that don’t is significantly high.

Organisations who are hiring contractors should be aware of the procedures you have in place from onboarding contractors, connecting them with your perm teams and also what you are doing to include them in social events. We may have the ability for more flexibility but we will never lose the drive to form human connections and belong.

Advice for employers

Remote working is here to stay, and companies must adapt to ensure contractors and permanent employees can work effectively and feel connected to their teams, no matter what desk (or kitchen table) their laptop ends up on.

Talent have helped businesses adapt to remote working throughout the pandemic, and we’ve compiled helpful advice in the guides above - download them for more information, and read on for our top three tips:

Say hello

Be frequent and consistent with communication, ideally over video or the phone.

Keep on track

Set goals and objectives and check in regularly to ensure everyone is on track.

Hands off

Manage outcomes, not hours – have trust in your team to deliver; don’t micromanage.

Remote Working

Does remote working lead to feelings of isolation?

Of the people who agreed, common responses to why they felt this were:

Missing the informal catch ups and chats in the corridor, kitchen or at lunch.

I have had to adapt to virtual interactions with people.

Not being able to chat with your team makes it hard to connect.

Most conversations are part of formal meetings. Sometimes it lacks interaction.

Work is not just about the widgets but the people and social interactions.

Missing the conversations with my team. That adds value to my daily experience.

We have lost the opportunity to find out about other parts of the business.

WFH means you are only focused on your work or project.

Download some useful guides from Talent to help support remote working:

Working from home with children

Your guide to virtual onboarding

Your guide to virtual networking

Advice for employers

Say hello

Keep on track

Hands off

carry on reading here

for a better

world of work