Key Takeaways:
Learn the prevalence of remote worker burnout.
Discover tips for promoting a culture of self-care for your remote team.
Running a remote team? Then you probably know that your employees’ well-being isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s essential to productivity, retention, and long-term growth. This National Wellness Month, it’s worth taking a moment to look beyond deadlines and deliverables and ask a simple but powerful question: how are your people really doing?
Burnout is more common, and more complex, in remote settings. Per data from Future Forum, 72% of remote workers say they’re less likely to take a sick day and completely rest when they’re sick. And 69% of remote workers report increased levels of burnout from digital communication tools, as Forbes data confirms. According to recent research from Gallup, fully-remote workers are more likely to experience negative emotions such as anger, sadness, and loneliness than hybrid and on-site workers.
The takeaway? Supporting wellness in a remote culture isn’t just about checking a box. It’s about building a foundation that helps your team thrive, both mentally and professionally. So, without further ado, here are seven simple ways you can promote self-care across your remote team.
“69% of remote workers report increased levels of burnout from digital communication tools.”
Forbes
1. Normalize Breaks and Movement During the Day
One of the biggest challenges for remote workers is the blurred line between work and rest. People feel guilty stepping away—so they don’t. But even a 5-minute stretch or walk can improve mood and focus.
Encourage your team to:
- Take short breaks between meetings or deep work sessions.
- Block off a “movement break” on their calendar each day.
- Try optional walking one-on-ones instead of Zoom calls.
2. Encourage Digital Boundaries
Just because your team can work anywhere doesn’t mean they should be working everywhere, all the time.
Support healthy boundaries by:
- Leading by example – log off on time, don’t send late-night or weekend emails.
- Reiterating that PTO is for enjoying some down time, not for catching up.
- Setting “do not disturb” hours when team members are discouraged from checking messages.
- Suggest tech-free zones at home or app blockers during non-work hours to help with digital detox.
3. Make Time for Mental Health Check-Ins
It’s easy to miss the warning signs of burnout when you’re not seeing someone face-to-face. When people feel safe to be honest, they’re more likely to reach out before burnout becomes a crisis. Regular, intentional check-ins are crucial.
Here are some ideas for doing just that:
- Go beyond project updates in your one-on-ones: ask about energy, workload, and stress levels.
- Host occasional team wellness check-ins focused on how people are feeling, not just what they’re working on.
- Consider anonymous pulse surveys to get a read on morale and stress across the team.
“55% of remote workers said it’s hard to feel connected to coworkers.”
Pew Research
4. Create Opportunities for Connection
Isolation is one of the top contributors to remote worker burnout. According to Pew Research, 55% of remote workers said it’s hard to feel connected to coworkers. Even small moments of connection can reduce stress and improve emotional well-being.
Try these easy wins:
- Host informal virtual coffee chats or coworking hours.
- Celebrate wins in a shared channel or during team meetings.
- Rotate a “wellness spotlight” where team members share a self-care tip or favorite mindfulness habit.
5. Offer Flexible Wellness Resources
You don’t need a big budget to offer meaningful support. Think about lightweight, scalable ways to promote well-being. The key is consistency and variety so that people can engage in the way that works best for them. Try these ideas for starters:
- Invite a guest speaker for a virtual lunch-and-learn on mindfulness, stress relief, or ergonomics.
- Share free wellness content: guided meditations, podcasts, yoga videos, etc.
- Offer micro-incentives for wellness habits (e.g., water intake or daily gratitude journaling challenges).
6. Declutter and Refresh the Workspace
A cluttered workspace can add to mental clutter—especially when home and work blur together. A clean and inspiring space, on the other hand, promotes sharper focus, reduces stress, and sets the tone for a productive day. So, encourage your team to make their environment work for them.
- Suggest a weekly “desk reset” where team members spend 10–15 minutes organizing their workspace.
- Promote personalization — whether that’s a plant, a candle, or a favorite quote.
- Share ideas for ergonomics and lighting to improve comfort and mood.
7. Build a Culture of Self-Care
Ultimately, wellness won’t stick if it’s a one-month initiative or a single workshop. Strive to make it a part of how your business operates. This approach not only boosts morale; it also creates a healthier, more sustainable business.
- Celebrate wellness wins the same way you celebrate business milestones.
- Add wellness questions to onboarding and team retros.
- Regularly review workloads, deadlines, and workflows to make sure you’re not unintentionally setting your team up for stress.
- Express gratitude to employees whenever they do a job well or go the extra mile.
Final Thoughts:
Support the People Who Power Your Business
As a business owner, you already know your team is your greatest asset. And especially in remote environments, the way you prioritize their well-being sends a clear message: you see them as whole people, not just producers. According to Owl Labs data, 92% of remote employees said a supportive manager is the most important factor to feeling supported on the job. So, this National Wellness Month, take the opportunity to pause, reflect, and invest in the daily habits that support a thriving team.
Freebies for Small Business Fitness
Give your business some TLC this month when you check out our extensive library of free resources.
