Psychological health and safety while working in isolation

With many of us now working remotely from our usual work environment and colleagues, and potentially self-isolating for health reasons, it is important to guard against the negative consequences of isolation. In fact, it's a legal obligation under health and safety (among other) laws.

We know that humans are essentially social creatures. The data from many studies suggests that we are shaped by our social environment and suffer when social bonds are broken. Loneliness is very damaging, impacting all areas of our lives, and has been linked with an increase in poor physical and mental health.1

Samantha Brooks, who has studied the psychological impact of quarantine at King’s College London, reports that people in a lockdown situation develop a real fear of catching the disease and catastrophise any minor ailment that may resemble a symptom. More worryingly, there is evidence that people in quarantine are more likely to report symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress.2

Lawrence Palinkas, who researches psychosocial adaptation to extreme environments at the University of Southern California, has found that under conditions of confinement the brain and one's behaviour will exhibit similar patterns to those seen in hibernating animals during winter months. When exposed to restricted light and limited environmental stimuli, the brain slows down to conserve energy. This is known as the “Antarctic stare” and is most frequently seen in researchers in the Antarctic during the winter.3

What might you notice?

You may find that people in your team:

• drop out of contact or zone out during conversations
• feel lethargic
• struggle to sleep
• feel like their brain is foggy
• feel restless
• have trouble concentrating
• feel impatient
• feel bored.

Protective factors against anxiety and uncertainty

Martin Seligman, one of the founders of positive psychology, identifies five core elements of psychological wellbeing and happiness, one of which is building connected relationships. As social animals who are hard-wired to bond and depend on other humans there is a basic need for healthy relationships.

Seligman’s research demonstrates that we thrive on connections and strong emotional and physical interactions with other humans. Positive relationships are a key ingredient to enable us to flourish, while strong relationships also provide support in difficult times.4

Neuroscientists have also identified the value of keeping the brain stimulated outside of work. Lockdown or working in isolation presents a great opportunity to challenge the brain and do something new, which is the essence of neuroplasticity and healthy habit-forming. Learning activities in particular can help take the mind off situations that are causing stress and anxiety through directing mental energy to tasks that are meaningful, goal-oriented and enjoyable.5

What can you do?

• maintain as many routines as you can (while respecting the closure of non-essential services)
• practise gentle observation of thoughts and feelings, being curious, accepting them for what they are rather than fighting with them
• practise gratitude – notice the things that are going well, any little silver linings like opportunities to reconnect with home, positive stories about human nature, etc
• find ways to get some fresh air and sunlight each day (while maintaining physical distancing)
• build in regular online social interactions to make sure you stay connected
• keep your brain working – learn new things, play games, read books, do some online courses
• practise mindfulness
• develop an exercise routine
• keep good sleep hygiene
• drink water and eat well.

Nudges are a great way to stay connected

With social connectedness in mind, En Masse has developed a series of need-state targeted nudges – positive or healthy missions designed to embed learning from our programs, connect participants socially and promote healthy habits.

We have found that an online nudge is a powerful way to shift behaviours. Shared using the En Masse Learning Hub, which includes the option of a community feed for your organisation or teams (where they can post and comment on their nudges) and a mood check to collect wellbeing data at group level, the nudges can be pre-selected and posted to your group feed on a daily or weekly basis, triggering a notification. They can be customised to reflect your organisational values or initiatives. Our experts have prepared packs of nudges to suit a number of need states, including looking after wellbeing while working from home, both from a physical and mental perspective. Each nudge includes its supporting research for further reading. An En Masse community coach is on hand to encourage, prompt, support and drive engagement.

The Learning Hub also includes our library of wellbeing resources. It’s a uniquely engaging and interactive learning environment that supports team wellbeing.

Contact us today for a demo login or to discuss a branded Learning Hub experience to suit your needs.

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References

1. Holt-Lunstad J (2017). The potential public health relevance of social isolation and loneliness: prevalence, epidemiology, and risk factors. Public Policy & Aging Report, 27(4);127–130.
2. Brooks SK, Webster RK, Smith LE, et al (2020). The psychological impact of quarantine and how to reduce it: rapid review of the evidence. Lancet. 395(10227);912–920.
3. Palinkas L, Suedfeld P (2008). Psychological effects of polar expeditions. Lancet. 371: 153-63.
4. Seligman MEP, Diener E (2002). Very happy people. Psychol Sci. 13:81–84.
5. Chang Y (2014). Reorganization and plastic changes of the human brain associated with skill learning and expertise. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. 8(55):35.