Insider News: Remote work and company culture

The shift away from physical spaces and into virtual ones has come with its share of challenges. But, it's also been responsible for the rapid adoption of telehealth and more flexible working arrangements. Learn how remote work can reduce stress and get tips on maintaining company culture for a remote workforce in this week's Insider News.

Mass General Brigham clinicians complete over one million telehealth visits from Mass General Brigham

In just 5 months after the start of the pandemic, Mass General Brigham clinicians saw patients at over one million telehealth visits. Prior to COVID-19, the MGB system typically saw an average of 1,200-1,500 visits in a month. In February, just 0.2% of outpatient visits were telehealth visits, while April saw a high of 62%.

This dramatic rise represents a major digital transformation and rapid adoption of technology that had previously been underutilized. 

Survey: Flexible work improves mental health from HR Dive

A recent survey from FlexJobs in partnership with Mental Health America of over 800 employees indicates that flexible working arrangements and remote work have become critical to managing stress and improving mental health.

Findings include:

• 48% percent of those surveyed with flexible work options say their work-life balance is very good or excellent, while 36% of workers without flex work options say the same.
• Employees given flexibility are more likely to say they have the support they need to manage stress and are much more likely to be able to address sources of work-related stress.
• 66% of respondents would prefer to work remotely full-time after the pandemic is over, and less than 2% want to be in the office full-time.

When the office goes, what happens to culture? from Human Resource Executive

With many businesses now remote for the foreseeable future, trying to maintain the same company culture they once had in the office is a challenge. Human Resource Executive offers some ideas for incorporating company culture in the virtual workplace, including:

• Creating models for the "virtual water cooler" to help encourage collaboration and reduce feelings of isolation.
• Reinvesting money saved on office maintenance or downsized spaces into remote employees.
• Monthly wellness surveys to understand employee needs.
• Taking on-site exercise classes and lunch discussions online with platforms like Zoom.

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