December 18, 2025
In a remote work environment, the natural "water cooler" moments and face-to-face check-ins we rely on to gauge a colleague's well-being are often missing. This lack of physical proximity can make it easier for signs of burnout or personal distress to go unnoticed until they significantly impact the individual and the team.
The lesson Supporting Remote Colleagues in Distress provides practical guidance on how to bridge this gap through intentional communication. By taking this course, you will learn how to identify subtle digital warning signs, how to reach out with compassion while maintaining professional boundaries, and how to provide meaningful support that helps a colleague recover without compromising team accountability.
This lesson teaches:
- Remote Work Requires Intentional Attention: Without in-person interaction, you must actively watch for changes in communication patterns, work performance, and emotional demeanor that might indicate distress.
- Reach Out Privately with Specific Observations: When you notice concerning changes, send a private message referencing what you've observed and expressing genuine care—don't wait for them to ask for help.
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Support Maintains Accountability, Enabling Removes It: Offer temporary flexibility and encourage professional resources, but don't indefinitely cover for someone's work or avoid honest conversations about performance impacts.
Resources
If you have an LMS-connected account, you can download the SCORM file for the Supporting Remote Colleagues in Distress microlesson. For more information, please refer to the Available Microlessons content article for additional information.