Top Tips for supporting Mental Health in Remote Teams

Remote work offers flexibility, but it can also blur boundaries and lead to feelings of isolation or burnout. As a manager, supporting your team’s mental health is just as important as hitting deadlines. In this post, we’ll share simple, effective ways to stay connected, spot signs of struggle, and create a culture where well-being comes first, even from a distance. 

Normalise mental health conversations 

Normalising mental health conversations helps build trust and reduce stigma in remote teams. Managers can lead by example, sharing their own experiences and checking in regularly, not just about work, but well-being as well. 

 Asking simple questions like “How are you really doing?” creates space for honest dialogue. Using inclusive language and reminding the team of available support shows that mental health is a shared priority.  

Tip: Use non-judgmental phrases like “Take the time you need, your well-being matters” 

Train managers in mental literacy 

Promoting mental well-being in remote teams also means setting clear boundaries around work. Managers can lead the way by discouraging after-hours emails, which helps prevent the expectation of being “always on.”  

Modelling healthy behaviours like taking regular breaks, using vacation time, and logging off at a reasonable hour shows your team it’s okay to prioritise rest. You can also set the tone by blocking off time in your calendar for focused work or personal time, reinforcing that boundaries are both respected and encouraged. If you feel as though your team are feeling stressed. HERE are 5 tips you can give them to help overcome it! 

Respect work-life balance 

Use a portion of your 1-2-1 meetings to check in on your team member’s well-being, not just their tasks. These regular touchpoints are a great opportunity to show care, build trust, and spot early signs of stress or burnout.  

Keep the conversation open and supportive with simple, non-intrusive questions like: 

• How are you feeling about your workload lately? 

• Is there anything making work more challenging right now? 

• How are you managing the balance between work and personal time? 

• Is there anything I can do to support you better this week? 

• Would it help to adjust deadlines, priorities, or meeting schedules? 

These conversations don’t need to be long, but making space for them regularly shows your team that their well-being truly matters. If you want more information on how this can positively help your employees, take a look at our blog on Work-Life Balance: Essential Strategies for a Healthier, Happier Life. 

Foster belonging and social connections 

Fostering a sense of belonging and social connection is essential for remote teams. Simple efforts like setting up virtual coffee chats or informal catch-ups can go a long way in helping team members feel more connected.  

Hosting casual events, such as game nights or themed lunches, and celebrating birthdays or team wins creates shared rituals that strengthen team culture. These moments of connection help build trust, boost morale, and remind everyone they’re part of something meaningful.