The Modern Reality of Working Away from Home
Across industries such as construction, engineering, healthcare, maritime, and media production, temporary relocation has become a standard part of the job. Companies like Nezt, which specialise in workforce and corporate accommodation, report a growing demand for short and long-term stays from teams ranging from 5 to 100+ employees.
Workers might live away from home for days, weeks, or even months at a time, often in unfamiliar cities or remote areas. While they may be provided with housing and allowances, the psychological effects of being disconnected from their homes, families, and routines are often underestimated.
Key Psychological Challenges Faced by Workers Living Away
1. Isolation and Loneliness
Being removed from one’s social network can cause feelings of loneliness, even when surrounded by colleagues. For single-person deployments, the lack of social interaction outside of work can be particularly difficult.
2. Disrupted Routines and Sleep Patterns
New environments often come with noise, unfamiliar surroundings, or shared living arrangements that disrupt sleep. This can have knock-on effects on mood, concentration, and job performance.
3. Work-Life Imbalance
When away from home, it becomes harder to separate work from rest. Workers might feel pressured to always be “on the clock,” particularly if accommodation is located near or within project sites.
4. Anxiety and Uncertainty
Long-distance deployments can cause stress, especially when future work locations or project durations are unclear. Temporary housing can also feel unstable compared to a fixed residence.
5. Family and Relationship Strain
Being away for extended periods places strain on personal relationships. Parents miss milestones; partners feel disconnected; and the emotional toll can weigh heavily on both the worker and their loved ones.
Why Employers Should Pay Attention
Supporting the psychological wellbeing of employees isn’t just a moral obligation—it makes business sense. Workers who feel emotionally supported are more likely to:
- Be productive and focused on the job
- Commit to longer projects
- Maintain safety standards
- Represent your company positively
Ignoring these needs can lead to burnout, increased turnover, absenteeism, and even accidents on the job.
Practical Ways Employers Can Support Staff
1. Choose the Right Accommodation Provider
Not all accommodation is created equal. Choosing a provider like Nezt ensures your team is housed in comfortable, quiet, fully furnished homes with essentials like Wi-Fi, laundry, and kitchen facilities. This helps recreate a “home away from home” experience that stabilises routines and reduces stress.
2. Encourage Routine and Recreation
Support workers in maintaining personal routines: whether that means gym access, recreational activities, or time for video calls with family. Building in structured downtime improves mental resilience.
3. Offer Mental Health Resources
Provide access to employee assistance programmes (EAPs), counselling hotlines, or online therapy options. Encourage open discussions about mental health and normalise seeking help.
4. Foster Team Connection
If workers are sharing accommodation, encourage team-building activities and create opportunities for bonding outside of work hours. Even small gestures like shared meals can foster camaraderie.
5. Regular Check-ins and Flexibility
Managers should schedule regular one-on-one check-ins to gauge morale and identify early signs of stress or fatigue. Offer flexibility where possible, such as rotating time off or alternating deployment locations.
The Long-Term Benefits of Worker Wellbeing
Investing in your mobile workforce’s mental health has lasting rewards. Companies that actively support employee wellbeing often report:
- Lower turnover rates
- Higher client satisfaction (due to better team performance)
- Improved safety and compliance records
- Stronger reputation in the job market
Especially in sectors where skilled workers are in short supply, maintaining a happy, healthy workforce is a key competitive advantage.
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Why the Right Accommodation Partner Matters
Accommodation plays a bigger role than most employers realise. Workers who sleep well, eat properly, and enjoy a clean, quiet environment are significantly better equipped to handle the emotional stress of being away from home.
That’s why working with an experienced provider like Nezt is critical. Nezt specialises in sourcing and managing contractor and business accommodation across the UK. Whether you’re housing 5 engineers or 100+ tradespeople, Nezt ensures your teams feel safe, comfortable, and looked after—because happy workers build better projects.
Final Thoughts
The psychology of living away from home for work is complex and personal. But when employers take proactive steps to address the emotional and mental needs of their teams, everyone benefits. A supported workforce is a strong workforce—and one that’s ready to deliver.
By understanding the mental toll of temporary relocation and investing in high-quality accommodation and wellbeing resources, employers can not only improve team morale but also drive long-term success.
Nezt is proud to help companies across the UK care for their people by providing contractor and corporate accommodation solutions that make being away from home feel just a little more like home.
Looking to support your workforce with high-quality accommodation and better wellbeing? Get in touch with Nezt today to explore your options.
