{"id":41932,"date":"2022-10-11T14:17:11","date_gmt":"2022-10-11T18:17:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/?p=41932"},"modified":"2023-10-25T13:04:17","modified_gmt":"2023-10-25T17:04:17","slug":"mental-health-of-lone-workers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/mental-health-of-lone-workers\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Proactive Ways To Protect the Mental Health of Lone Workers"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/mental-health-of-lone-workers\/#Who_Is_a_%E2%80%9CLone_Worker%E2%80%9D\" title=\"Who Is a \u201cLone Worker\u201d?\">Who Is a \u201cLone Worker\u201d?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/mental-health-of-lone-workers\/#Mental_Health_Impact_of_Working_Alone\" title=\"Mental Health Impact of Working Alone\">Mental Health Impact of Working Alone<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/mental-health-of-lone-workers\/#Increased_Stress\" title=\"Increased Stress\">Increased Stress<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/mental-health-of-lone-workers\/#Social_Isolation\" title=\"Social Isolation\">Social Isolation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/mental-health-of-lone-workers\/#Low_Morale\" title=\"Low Morale\">Low Morale<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/mental-health-of-lone-workers\/#How_To_Help_Lone_Workers\" title=\"How To Help Lone Workers\">How To Help Lone Workers<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/mental-health-of-lone-workers\/#Prioritize_Safety\" title=\"Prioritize Safety\">Prioritize Safety<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/mental-health-of-lone-workers\/#Make_an_Effort_to_Keep_in_Touch\" title=\"Make an Effort to Keep in Touch\">Make an Effort to Keep in Touch<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/mental-health-of-lone-workers\/#Encourage_WorkLife_Balance_Especially_if_Remote\" title=\"Encourage Work\/Life Balance (Especially if Remote)\">Encourage Work\/Life Balance (Especially if Remote)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/mental-health-of-lone-workers\/#Final_Thoughts\" title=\"Final Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>Although working alone is not a new phenomenon, it\u2019s becoming a problem on a larger scale more recently as a side effect of the pandemic. Lone workers face a higher risk of physical harm, as well as ill effects on their mental health, making this an issue of concern wherever people work alone.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3-Proactive-Ways-To-Protect-the-Mental-Health-of-Lone-Workers-Pinterest.jpg\" alt=\"3 Proactive Ways To Protect the Mental Health of Lone Workers\" class=\"wp-image-41937 lazyload\" style=\"width:400px;height:600px\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3-Proactive-Ways-To-Protect-the-Mental-Health-of-Lone-Workers-Pinterest.jpg\" alt=\"3 Proactive Ways To Protect the Mental Health of Lone Workers\" class=\"wp-image-41937 lazyload\" style=\"width:400px;height:600px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3-Proactive-Ways-To-Protect-the-Mental-Health-of-Lone-Workers-Pinterest.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3-Proactive-Ways-To-Protect-the-Mental-Health-of-Lone-Workers-Pinterest-300x450.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3-Proactive-Ways-To-Protect-the-Mental-Health-of-Lone-Workers-Pinterest-750x1125.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3-Proactive-Ways-To-Protect-the-Mental-Health-of-Lone-Workers-Pinterest-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3-Proactive-Ways-To-Protect-the-Mental-Health-of-Lone-Workers-Pinterest-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3-Proactive-Ways-To-Protect-the-Mental-Health-of-Lone-Workers-Pinterest-480x720.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">3 Proactive Ways To Protect the Mental Health of Lone Workers<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Is_a_%E2%80%9CLone_Worker%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>Who Is a \u201cLone Worker\u201d?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/laws-regs\/regulations\/standardnumber\/1915\/1915.84\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines lone workers<\/a> as \u201can employee working alone, such as in a confined space or isolated location\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This relatively broad definition covers a wide range of people, including but not limited to remote workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, more and more of the world\u2019s workforce is working alone. The pandemic has changed a great deal about the way we work. A <a href=\"https:\/\/news.gallup.com\/poll\/355907\/remote-work-persisting-trending-permanent.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">recent Gallup poll<\/a> shows that nearly half of Americans working full-time are now working remotely at least part time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But remote workers are not the only lone workers. Healthcare workers, for example, have a much higher risk of working alone. They are also under increased pressure from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usnews.com\/news\/health-news\/articles\/2022-07-28\/staff-shortages-choking-u-s-health-care-system\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">serious understaffing issues in hospitals<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mental_Health_Impact_of_Working_Alone\"><\/span>Mental Health Impact of Working Alone<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No one is immune from the impact of lone working. Even the most introverted among us will suffer over time if our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coworkingcafe.com\/blog\/expert-insights-the-mental-health-benefits-coworking-space\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.coworkingcafe.com\/blog\/expert-insights-the-mental-health-benefits-coworking-space\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">need for social connection<\/a> isn\u2019t met.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Increased_Stress\"><\/span>Increased Stress<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Working alone is more stressful than in a typical work environment with co-workers because lone workers have no one to rely on to help make decisions or catch mistakes. Depending on the context, lone workers also face higher risks of physical injuries.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A simple slip and fall could prove much more dangerous if no one is around to call for help, for example. Lone workers have much more to worry about regarding their personal safety, as well as the burden of any judgment call they may have to make independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Social_Isolation\"><\/span>Social Isolation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It is perhaps obvious, but no less important, to acknowledge: people need people. Taken to its extreme, we know this based on the effects of prolonged solitude used as punishment. Solitary confinement is controversial when used in prisons, because we are wired for connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although a workday isn\u2019t analogous to a prison sentence, lone workers are still subject to the same <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link \" data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/category\/mental-health\/\" title=\"mental health\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">mental health<\/a> effects due to isolation. Coworkers help share the burden of everyday events in a way that we can\u2019t provide for ourselves. Loneliness is not trivial; it\u2019s detrimental to our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/self-care-for-mental-health-professionals\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"41385\">mental health<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Low_Morale\"><\/span>Low Morale<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Both social isolation and increased stress over time can lead to lower morale in lone workers. It\u2019s more difficult to feel fulfilled by work without a sense of community camaraderie. Lone workers may have a hard time engaging in their work at all, which could lead to \u201cquiet quitting,\u201d more sick days, or possibly even resignation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_To_Help_Lone_Workers\"><\/span>How To Help Lone Workers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding that lone workers are more vulnerable to <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link \" data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/category\/mental-health\/\" title=\"mental health\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">mental health<\/a> issues is the first step to addressing the problem. But what can be done? The good news is that there are ways to reduce the negative impacts of working alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prioritize_Safety\"><\/span>Prioritize Safety<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the stress of lone working comes from physical safety concerns. That\u2019s why it\u2019s essential to have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.roarforgood.com\/blog\/lone-worker-safety-policy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">lone worker safety<\/a> policy in place. What this looks like will vary widely depending on the context, but having clear plans and expectations in place is one way to make the situation much less stressful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a starting point, anyone expected to work alone should know and be comfortable with the risks involved in doing so. At the same time, of course, there should be measures in place to reduce those risks wherever possible. Often this looks like tech-based interventions, such as regular contact via cell service or a readily available panic button in case of emergencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"lazyload\" title=\"Lone working - your guide to staying safe\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/oKh4ikupt7Y?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lone Works &#8211; Your Guide To Staying Safe. Courtesy, YouTube.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Make_an_Effort_to_Keep_in_Touch\"><\/span>Make an Effort to Keep in Touch<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If it were easy to keep in contact with lone workers, they wouldn\u2019t fit the definition of lone workers. But it\u2019s well worth the effort to make these isolated employees feel like part of a team. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, regularly scheduled check-ins could help keep lines of communication open. These don\u2019t have to be long, drawn-out meetings, but rather just a way to touch base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If schedules allow, it may help to keep lone workers only scheduled to work alone for part of the time. Remote workers could instead come work in-office for a day or two a week, for instance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In an article for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/carolinecastrillon\/2022\/05\/26\/how-to-stay-connected-to-your-team-while-working-remotely\/?sh=4fbea0b064d0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Forbes<\/em><\/a>, Caroline Castrillon notes further strategies to keep remote workers engaged. She suggests creating opportunities out of the technological barriers\/bridges, such as scheduling virtual coffee breaks or lunch breaks and making a point to use collaborative software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whatever the context, it\u2019s possible to remain in contact with lone workers in one way or another, making use of the virtual \u201cpresence\u201d technologies we have available. It may not be as ideal as genuine presence, but it is still a significant improvement over true isolation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Encourage_WorkLife_Balance_Especially_if_Remote\"><\/span>Encourage Work\/Life Balance (Especially if Remote)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many lone workers are alone because they\u2019re working remotely. This has created a new balancing act of work and family life because there\u2019s no longer a distinct environmental separation. These muddy boundaries tend to lead to burnout because with them comes pressure to always be available for work correspondence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though it\u2019s a tricky situation to navigate for everyone, remote employees could benefit from transparent communication about work\/life boundaries. Perhaps remote workers could set hours of availability or set aside a fixed amount of time to respond to emails every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span>Final Thoughts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Working in isolation is an unfortunate reality of this day and age, post-pandemic. Many more people are working from home or remain in-person but are struggling to fill in the gaps of those who\u2019ve quit.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Specifics aside, anyone working alone is more likely to suffer from increased stress, social isolation, and ultimately, burnout. But there are ways to mitigate these issues. With a little extra effort to keep lone workers feeling safe and supported, it\u2019s possible to protect their <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link \" data-wpil=\"url\" title=\"mental health\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/category\/mental-health\/\">mental health<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-color uagb-block-540ad93d\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-call-to-action uagb-block-73105e3b wp-block-button\"><div class=\"uagb-cta__wrap\"><h5 class=\"uagb-cta__title\">Private Practice  with No Overhead and No Shortage of Clients.<br><\/h5><p class=\"uagb-cta__desc\">Join\u00a0the more than 34,000 full and part-time therapists who are earning more with BetterHelp! Supplement your income, or build your own practice from scratch. Bonuses &amp; Incentives for High Performers! <strong>Sponsored Advertisement<\/strong><\/p><\/div><div class=\"uagb-cta__buttons\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hasofferstracking.betterhelp.com\/aff_c?offer_id=20&amp;aff_id=1614\" class=\"uagb-cta__button-link-wrapper wp-block-button__link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Join BetterHelp<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lone workers face a higher risk of physical harm, as well as ill effects on their mental health, making this an issue of concern wherever people work alone.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":41938,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","ub_ctt_via":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[935,132,28,358],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3-Proactive-Ways-To-Protect-the-Mental-Health-of-Lone-Workers.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","author_link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/author\/randy-withers\/"},"modified_by":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3-Proactive-Ways-To-Protect-the-Mental-Health-of-Lone-Workers.jpg",800,450,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3-Proactive-Ways-To-Protect-the-Mental-Health-of-Lone-Workers-150x84.jpg",150,84,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3-Proactive-Ways-To-Protect-the-Mental-Health-of-Lone-Workers-300x169.jpg",300,169,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3-Proactive-Ways-To-Protect-the-Mental-Health-of-Lone-Workers-768x432.jpg",768,432,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3-Proactive-Ways-To-Protect-the-Mental-Health-of-Lone-Workers-750x422.jpg",750,422,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3-Proactive-Ways-To-Protect-the-Mental-Health-of-Lone-Workers.jpg",800,450,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3-Proactive-Ways-To-Protect-the-Mental-Health-of-Lone-Workers.jpg",800,450,false],"tiny":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3-Proactive-Ways-To-Protect-the-Mental-Health-of-Lone-Workers.jpg",60,34,false],"thumbnail-medium":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3-Proactive-Ways-To-Protect-the-Mental-Health-of-Lone-Workers-480x384.jpg",480,384,true],"thumbnail-square":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3-Proactive-Ways-To-Protect-the-Mental-Health-of-Lone-Workers-480x450.jpg",480,450,true],"thumbnail-portrait":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3-Proactive-Ways-To-Protect-the-Mental-Health-of-Lone-Workers-480x450.jpg",480,450,true],"thumbnail-large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3-Proactive-Ways-To-Protect-the-Mental-Health-of-Lone-Workers-720x450.jpg",720,450,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","author_link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/author\/randy-withers\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Lone workers face a higher risk of physical harm, as well as ill effects on their mental health, making this an issue of concern wherever people work alone.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41932"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41932"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41932\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41938"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41932"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41932"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41932"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}