From the above needs analysis, we developed three core objectives for this project. 1. To promote the adoption of healthy lifestyle principles among remote workers, their managers, and businesses, in particular SMEs. Here, specifically, we wanted to create a flexible and resilient future workspace and facilitate the development of robust initiatives and programmes for workforce well-being. 2. To empower SMEs and their workers, including HR managers and staff, to acquire the essential skills required of the home work environment. We wanted to create specialised cutting-edge resources and tools in the form of micro-learning scenarios and an educational video game to be played at home. 3. To bridge the gap between the demands placed on these workers and the small companies and their desires for better working conditions and mental health. We would achieve these through intertwining with a further three objectives, namely A. developing best practice frameworks to enhance awareness, B. creating OERs to train remote workers in lifestyle practices, including physical activities, and also in training for digital skills, and C. fostering collaboration between key stakeholders through support structures for remote workers.
We applied to this project to address the newfound, but ever-more common negative mental health consequences of remote work, and the lack of SMEs’ skills or preparedness to address them, especially when compared with larger companies with more budget to invest in these issues. The biggest issue we anticipated facing was burnout, but we ended up creating content which tackled burnout, ergonomics in home offices, meditation techniques and even in work online bullying. This content was created in response to the research undertaken prior to and during the project. Before the project’s approval, the needs analysis we performed demonstrated that social engagement at work is in decline and much-needed physical activity. Further, specific digital skills need to be developed in order to make remote work as effective as possible. There is a need to supply SMEs with the optimal conditions to upskill and take care of their remote staff. Our research also found that digital competencies and interpersonal skills were the two most desired things to maintain a remote work arrangement successfully. These negative mental health situations were instigated by COVID-19, but for many SMEs, this has become the new normal.