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Groundbreaking global report showed the psychological impacts of remote rotational workforce

Groundbreaking global report showed the psychological impacts of remote rotational workforce

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Whether on or offshore, the work and lifestyle of a remote rotational worker is unique. While lucrative for some, it has long been associated with a high impact on mental health and wellbeing. A groundbreaking global report from the International SOS Foundation and Affinity Health at Work, ‘Mental Health and the Remote Rotational Workforce’, showed the psychological impacts of this unique mode of working. The new study[1] revealed the high level of suicidal thoughts, clinical depression, impacts on physical health (such as diet), and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this workforce.

Dr. Rodrigo Rodriguez-Fernandez, medical director of Wellness and Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) of International SOS said, “There is an urgent need for increased focus, understanding and strategies to mitigate mental ill-health and promote the better mental health of the remote rotational workforce. This is highlighted in our survey, which uncovers significantly high levels of critical mental ill health issues, including suicidal thoughts and depression. The COVID-19 environment has also added increased stress on this already pressured working arrangement.” 

Key findings

Some of the most alarming key findings detailed that 40% of all respondents experienced suicidal thoughts on rotation sometimes or all the time(compared to the average of 4-9%). This meant that one in five felt suicidal all or most of the time. While 29% of participants met the benchmark for clinical depression while on-rotation. Another 52% reported a decline in mood and flagging mental health while on rotation. What’s even more alarming is that 62% of respondents at work had worse mental health than would be the norm in a typical population or setting. While 31% of workers off rotation reported experiencing lower mental health than the general population. 

Burn Out

The study also exposed 23% of remote rotational workers who experienced emotional exhaustion weekly. 46% experienced higher stress levels while on rotation, and more than half or 57% were not engaged in their work. Despite their condition, 23% reported that they did not receive psychological support from their employers.

Dr. Rachel Lewis, registered occupational psychologist, and director of Affinity Health at Work said, “We would expect burnout to be between 2-13% in the general population, so the almost quarter that we see from the survey is particularly high. Burnout can have a serious impact both personally and professionally, on the ability of an individual to carry out their role. Remote rotational work may come with the perks of higher pay, but with its propensity to be isolating at the best of times. On and offshore, working pressures and varying shift patterns also add their weight. And this is not to mention the impact of the current pandemic, which has seen many remote workers unexpectedly away from family and friend networks for longer than anticipated.”  

Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic

Working through the pandemic further weighed down remote rotational workers as 65% experienced increased job demands, and 56% saw an increase in working hours that contributed to stress and anxiety. 49% of workers were also concerned for their safety and a third of respondents said they felt increasingly lonely. While 23% exhibited negative physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach problems. 

The Tip of the Iceberg

Dr. Rodriguez-Fernandez explained, “Mental and physical health are intrinsically linked. Organizations and individuals with a Duty of Care to their remote rotational workers should have visibility and a plan of support for their workforce encompassing both.”

On the flip side, the majority of respondents felt that their health and safety were prioritized. They report a strong sense of community and support among co-workers and from managers. Many also felt that they could share their mental health concerns with colleagues.

Closer to Home

In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) has reported an increase of calls on mental health and suicide through the National Center of Mental Health (NCMH) hotline, with over 3,000 individuals supported during the first quarter of 2021. The Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) supplemental guidelines on workplace prevention and control of COVID-19 issued last year mandated establishments to implement all necessary safety and health programs at no cost to employees.

Dr. Carrianne Ewe, medical director at International SOS Philippines shared, “Mental health has been an area of concern for organizations as we continue to navigate through this crisis. We have been supporting our clients with rotational workers by incorporating mental health support into their health and wellness programs.

“This has become essential to support employees who are experiencing mental stress and pandemic fatigue.   It is important to tell them that they are not alone in their journey and support is within reach through the Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) which can help them with sessions on mindfulness and tips on improving one’s mental wellbeing. This approach helps organizations build the resilience of their employees, ensuring that they are healthy and productive during these challenging times.”

The full report, including practical recommendations on mitigation measures for companies is now available here. A live webinar on the findings took place on April 29, 2021.

Anonymous

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Metropoler is a social media-centric news website in the Philippines that covers the intersection of financial, business, media, tech, science, tourism, food, entertainment, art, politics, and culture launched on June 1, 2020.
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