Managing mental health in a remote environment is now one of the biggest challenges we face today. Over the last 18 months, countless managers in our mental health training for managers programme have shared their struggles with us.

Whether handling fully remote teams or navigating a hybrid model, many find it tough to manage mental health effectively when they’re not in the same room as their team members. Let’s dive into how we can tackle this head-on with a fresh perspective on employee wellbeing and mental health training for managers.

The Remote Challenge: What Managers Are Really Saying

Here are some key themes managers have raised:

• “How do I have a conversation about mental health if I’m not in the same room?”

• “People no longer leave their cameras on!”

• “I can’t tell if someone is okay if I can’t see their body language.”

• “We’ve lost the ‘water cooler’ conversations!”

• “My team seems okay—should I still ask how they are?”

These concerns are valid. They reflect the shift in workplace dynamics. And the good news? There are effective ways to manage mental health remotely.

Building Connection Without Physical Presence

Let’s name it: working remotely changes how we connect. In a physical office, a smile, a reassuring touch, a coffee together—all build connection. But even online, a meaningful connection is possible.

We just need to approach it with intention.

Go Beyond the Screen: Create Real Digital Connection

At the start of the pandemic, people were more engaged in online meetings. Fast forward to now? It’s back-to-back meetings, cameras off, and limited emotional cues.

But here’s the truth we teach in our mental health training for managers:
You don’t need to be in the same room to connect deeply.

What Managers Can Do to Support Mental Health Remotely

One of the biggest takeaways from our training is this: deep listening is a superpower.

Too often, managers leap in with advice or stories when someone just needs to feel heard. In our busy, distracted world, that kind of listening is rare—and powerful.

Improve your listening by just 1%, and your impact as a manager multiplies.

Encourage Cameras On: Make Meetings Feel Human Again

You can’t force people to turn their cameras on—but you can invite them into a conversation.

Ask: “How can we make our meetings feel more human?”

Co-create a shared agreement with your team about camera use and connection. It’s not about control—it’s about creating space for real presence.

Don’t Wait for a Crisis: Check In Before It’s Too Late

Managers often tell us, “My team seems fine.” But you don’t need to wait until someone breaks down to support them.

People are masters at hiding how they feel—especially when stigma, fear of judgment, or shame is at play.

Proactive One-to-Ones: Go Beyond Work Talk

In our mental health training for managers, we often hear how one-to-ones default to tasks, KPIs, and deadlines.

But your check-ins are one of your most powerful tools for wellbeing.

Start with:

• “How are you feeling, really?”

• “What’s been energising or draining you this week?”

A wobble caught early can prevent a full-scale burnout later.

Connection Is Not About Proximity

There’s a myth that we need to be face-to-face to truly connect. Not true.

We’ve coached people around the world for over a decade. And we’ve witnessed extraordinary breakthroughs on Zoom.

True connection isn’t about body language—it’s about presence, intention, and deep listening. And yes, you can absolutely do that online.

Listening Is Leadership

When you slow down and hold space, you give someone something rare and healing: the feeling of being fully seen.

That’s what creates trust. That’s what changes culture.

Final Thought: Don’t Assume Someone’s Fine Just Because They Say They Are

Just because someone seems okay doesn’t mean they are.
In remote teams, it’s easy to mistake silence for stability.

Ask. Check in. Listen. Go slow.

Build a team culture where people feel safe enough to share what’s really going on.

💬 Want to Equip Your Managers to Do This with Confidence?

Our Mental Health Training for Managers programme teaches your leaders how to spot the signs, have better conversations, and create real connection—even remotely.

🟡 It’s practical.
🟡 It’s neuroscience-backed.
🟡 And it’s designed for the realities of leading in a hybrid world.

👉 Book a call today to bring this training into your organisation