At Hope Therapy & Counselling Services, we’ve long recognised the unique mental health challenges that come with remote and hybrid working – from increased isolation and reduced boundaries between work and home life, to difficulties staying motivated and focused. One approach gaining traction in response to these issues is a practice known as body doubling.
Though relatively new to the workplace mainstream, body doubling has its roots in mental health support – originally developed as a way to help individuals with ADHD manage attention and productivity. The principle is simple yet powerful: working alongside another person in real time, typically via a video call, to create a sense of accountability and shared purpose. Crucially, it’s not about constant interaction or supervision; rather, it’s about being together, even when working independently.
According to recent coverage in The Times, some organisations are now encouraging remote staff to remain in a virtual space with colleagues throughout the day – not for meetings or collaboration, but simply as a form of quiet co-working. The psychological benefits are becoming increasingly clear.
Why Does It Matter?
From a therapeutic standpoint, body doubling can offer a meaningful remedy for the loneliness that so often accompanies working from home. Loneliness is more than just a passing feeling – when prolonged, it can impact self-esteem, motivation, and even physical health. Being virtually “present” with others, even in silence, can help counteract those effects.
The practice also fosters a subtle yet effective form of accountability. Knowing that someone else is on the other side of the screen can be enough to encourage greater focus and reduce the temptation to procrastinate. It mirrors the natural social cues of an office environment – cues that many of us didn’t realise we relied upon until they disappeared.
A Mixed Reception – and That’s OK
Not everyone is enthusiastic about the idea. Some feel that being on camera all day borders on invasive, likening it to workplace surveillance. At Hope Therapy & Counselling Services, we believe that body doubling should always be voluntary and consensual – never imposed. The goal is to support, not to monitor.
Like any mental health strategy, it’s about finding what works for you. For some, it may be a daily ritual; for others, something to turn to during periods of stress or creative block. We’ve heard from clients who say it has helped them feel more connected, supported, and less overwhelmed.
More Than Just Productivity
It’s important to remember that productivity is not the only measure of a healthy working life. Emotional wellbeing, a sense of connection, and opportunities for meaningful interaction are just as vital. Body doubling has the potential to support all of these – not just through silent companionship, but by enabling informal moments of sharing and collaboration. It might be showing a colleague a tool you’ve developed, or reading aloud something you’ve just written. These spontaneous exchanges often spark innovation and break the isolation of solo work.
A Compassionate Approach to Working Well
At Hope Therapy & Counselling Services, we welcome new ways of supporting emotional health in the workplace. If you’re feeling isolated, anxious, or demotivated in your remote role, body doubling may be one small but significant way to feel more connected. And if you’re unsure where to begin, speaking with a counsellor could help you explore whether it’s the right approach for you.
Ultimately, caring for your mental health is not a luxury – it’s a necessity. Whether through practices like body doubling, therapy, or simply reaching out for support, we’re here to help you find what works best for your wellbeing.