Flexible work arrangements, often hailed for enhancing work-life balance and reducing commuting time, are facing scrutiny in Malaysia due to their potential negative impact on mental health. Professor Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj Chandrasekaran, President of the Malaysian Mental Health Association and a consultant psychiatrist, highlights concerns about the adverse effects of the work-from-home transition on employees.
Amid the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the psychological well-being of individuals working remotely has come under increased scrutiny. Dr Chandrasekaran cited a study by the Integrated Benefits Institute, a non-profit research organization based in Oakland, California. The study found that 40% of full-time remote employees and 38% engaged in hybrid work arrangements exhibited a higher likelihood of experiencing symptoms associated with anxiety and depression. Issues such as decreased motivation, social isolation, and fatigue were prevalent among those working from home.
Despite the common belief that solitude promotes calmness, remote employees, according to Dr Chandrasekaran, experienced heightened stress hormones. Research indicates a strong link between loneliness and disrupted sleep patterns, with lonely individuals being more susceptible to sleep fragmentation, a weakened immune system, and increased inflammation. Mental health issues, including burnout, clinical depression, and generalized anxiety disorder, were exacerbated by loneliness, particularly affecting employees with pre-existing mental health conditions or extroverted personalities.
Dr Chandrasekaran advocates for a shift in focus from mere flexibility to creating a conducive workspace that promotes a healthy work-life balance. Employers play a crucial role in safeguarding the mental well-being of their workforce. Monitoring mental health symptoms, conducting regular check-ins, fostering open communication channels, and providing resources for mental health support are essential steps in addressing these concerns.
