By Bash Sarmiento
The outsourcing industry has seen a massive shift towards remote employment. While this has opened doors for many, it’s also brought its own challenges. If you’re a remote worker, you might be experiencing some of these hurdles yourself. One of the key aspects affecting remote employee well-being is emotional intelligence. But what is the connection, and how can improving your emotional intelligence make a difference?
Keep reading to learn more about how you can leverage emotional intelligence in improving your remote work experience.
What Is Emotional Intelligence?
Think of emotional intelligence as the bridge that connects your inner feelings to the outer world. It’s your ability to recognize and manage emotions while also being able to do the same for others. And a crucial component of emotional intelligence is empathy. By understanding that empathy and emotional intelligence assist in communicating better, you’ll foster healthier relationships in both personal and professional settings.
The Importance of Employee Wellbeing
The term “well-being” often refers to a person’s positive mental and physical state. It includes how you feel on all levels—body, mind, and spirit. To achieve well-being, it’s important to maintain a healthy balance of work and downtime.
Unfortunately, when you work from home, it’s hard to separate your self-worth and work.
Employee well-being is vital for several reasons:
- Reduced Burnout
- Improved Relationships
- Enhanced Productivity
- Better Decision-Making
- Increased Job Satisfaction
How to Boost Emotional Intelligence for Emote Workers
The good news is that EQ is a talent that can be honed and perfected through time. Here are a few tips you can use to get started:
1. Self-awareness
Understanding your emotions is the cornerstone of emotional intelligence. Keep a daily journal to track your feelings throughout the day. Reflect on your entries and identify patterns or triggers that evoke certain emotions.
By gaining a deeper understanding of your emotional responses, you can better manage your reactions and interactions with others. This is the foundation of improving emotional intelligence.
2. Empathy
Empathy is essential for building strong relationships with colleagues and clients. Practice empathy by actively trying to understand the emotions and needs of others, especially in virtual meetings or calls. You’ll soon notice smoother interactions and better relationships as a result.
3. Active Listening
Active listening involves fully focusing on the speaker, understanding their message, and responding thoughtfully. In virtual meetings or calls, make a conscious effort to listen without interrupting. Take notes and ask clarifying questions. This not only demonstrates respect but also allows you to fully understand the other party and respond appropriately.
4. Make Fitness a Family Affair
Your physical health can significantly affect your emotional health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise a week can help improve symptoms of anxiety and depression. To make it easier to start, consider making fitness a family affair. This strengthens your bond with your loved ones and helps you build more emotional intelligence. It’s a win-win situation – you stay healthy while enjoying quality time with those close to you.
5. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Another way to improve your EQ skills is by practicing mindfulness and meditation. These can help you become more present at the moment. As a result, you’ll be more able to observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment. Set aside a few minutes each day to practice. Do this consistently to get better results. Even just a few minutes can make a significant difference.
6. Continuous Learning
Emotional intelligence is an evolving skill, and there’s always room for growth. Consider joining workshops, seminars, or webinars that focus on emotional intelligence. These can provide valuable insights to further enhance your EQ skills. There are also many books and online resources available that offer strategies you can use in your daily practice.
7. Seek Feedback
Feedback from reliable friends and coworkers is one way to improve your emotional intelligence. Being receptive to criticism might help you understand the effect your emotions have on those around you. That way, you can identify areas for improvement and enhance your emotional intelligence.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to open up to others about your emotions. Sharing your feelings can help you process your emotions and understand them better. It can also foster deeper connections and reduce feelings of isolation that can come with remote work.
Final Thoughts
Emotional intelligence is an essential tool for remote workers in the outsourcing industry. It not only enhances your well-being but also improves relationships, communication, and overall job satisfaction. In a demanding and sometimes isolating remote work environment, prioritizing your emotional intelligence is crucial.
Practicing the tips provided in this article can help boost your emotional intelligence and overall well-being. Regardless, building emotional intelligence is a journey that requires ongoing effort and practice. So, be patient with your progress and take things one step at a time.
Bash Sarmiento is a writer and an educator from Manila. He writes laconic pieces in the education, lifestyle and health realms. His academic background and extensive experience in teaching, textbook evaluation, business management and traveling are translated in his works.