While at its peak at the early onset of the pandemic, 71% of U.S. employees shifted to a work from home model. Now, 41% of U.S. employees continue to work entirely remotely, with nearly 16% still working partially remotely. While working from home can have benefits, it can also have drawbacks. Chiefly, as we invite work into our living space, we have to be mindful of how “plugged in” we are. Because both recreation and work happen in the same space, it can be more challenging to maintain a separation of the two. But if we do so, we can minimize the chance of burnout and increase productivity.
While the pandemic did create a seismic shift in the number of people working from home, it wasn't the inception point. People, such as writers, graphic designers, tutors, and others who own their businesses, have been working from home for years. It’s a workstyle that’s become more popular due to the rise of technology and environmental factors.
Currently, some employees are working from home part-time, while others are experiencing a permanent, full-time shift into the remote workforce. Additionally, employees currently in office may be asked to work remotely in the near future. Nevertheless, Mindfulness Strategies is here to help. In this blog post, we list six ways to find a balance between work and personal life.
1. Create a Designated Workspace
When working from home, be sure to establish a space that is earmarked solely for business purposes. You do not necessarily need an entirely separate room to do so, but it is recommended to have an area specific to your workday. When you are in your designated space, (like you would be in your company’s office), you may feel more motivated to complete your daily tasks.
Essentially, you should do nothing more than work in your workspace and leave the area when you are finished. If you do not have a designated workspace, you run the risk of overworking and becoming both distracted and disconnected from work.
If you have a home office, shut the door when the workday is done. If you're simply working from a laptop, close it and put it out of sight. When the door is open or your work tech is out, you may feel the need to jump back in. Just as you close up shop for the day at an office, you need to mental close up shop at home as well.
2. Schedule Breaks from Technology
Whether you find yourself working from home or working in an office, scheduling breaks from technology is always a good idea. According to the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority, stepping away from technological devices can:
Increase productivity and focus
Increase sense of self-worth
Increase mindfulness
Reduce stress
Improve physical health
Technology can tether you to your work even after the day’s end. When you reach the end of your shift, consider turning off notifications on your phone.
However, it’s crucial that you and your employer still have a way to reach each other in case of emergencies. Ensure you have a protocol in place for issues that demand immediate attention.
3. Establish Boundaries
Scheduling breaks from technology goes hand-in-hand with establishing work boundaries. Given that remote work allows for more flexibility during the day, you have more control over your daily schedule.
That said, do not jump into work first thing in the morning. Make time for breakfast, coffee, a shower, or whatever your morning routine entails, just as you did before. You should also be more mindful of the hours you work and set a clear start and end time.
According to research, many employees find themselves working overtime because there is no going to and from work anymore. Do not overwork yourself to the point of burnout, as it may cause you to neglect other areas of your life. Further, make sure to establish a dedicated time for self-care.
At the same time, working from home can cause employees to underwork. Underworking may occur if there are too many distractions in your home. Establishing boundaries, such as a specific time and place to conduct work, will help prevent this. It may also help to convey these boundaries and restrictions to others that reside in your home.
4. Connect with Coworkers
Working from home does not have to be a lonesome venture. Many of your coworkers are experiencing the same circumstances. Remember that your coworkers are a resource, and you should:
Connect with them
Discover how they organize their schedules
Discuss ways to separate work life from personal life
When you connect with your coworkers and discover new ways to maintain relationships, you participate in healthy business culture. While project management is undoubtedly a benefit of connecting with coworkers, the ability to socialize and sympathize with each other over the current circumstances can provide tremendous benefits as well. Group connection can provide tremendous relief to you and your team.
5. Take a Vacation (Or Staycation)
According to the U.S. Travel Association, “the majority (83%) of Americans want to use their time off to travel—but they aren’t.” Many Americans feel as if they cannot use their vacation time for many reasons, such as ongoing work projects, fear of being replaced, dedication to the job, an inability to disconnect, and fear of returning to massive amounts of work.
However, it is crucial to use vacation time to improve general health, wellness, and productivity. When employees do not take their much-needed time off work, burnout becomes a problem, and individuals lose their motivation and efficiency. At the same time, we recognize that taking a vacation during the pandemic is difficult, so we recommend:
Touring your local area
Catching up on sleep
Finishing a house project
Going camping
Holding a movie night
Planning a craft day
Stepping away from chores
Having a game night
Doing absolutely nothing
Don’t allow working from home to deter you from taking time off. While you may not want to travel out of state given the pandemic and state restrictions, take comfort in knowing that there are still plenty of options available to you!
6. Make Plans
Given that your new workspace is in your own house, it’s crucial to make plans for outings that occur away from home. Remaining in the same area after your shift has concluded can easily lead to overworking. You should set a firm timeframe to complete your work.
If you make plans that you must attend following your workday, you’ll probably be less likely to blur the line between work and personal life. Although the pandemic has made it more challenging to find activities to do, there are a few ways you can relax after work, such as attending an exercise class (if your state protocols permit), starting a new creative project, or picking up a new hobby. To reduce stress and improve your overall well-being, we recommend investing time in mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga after work.
A Final Note to Employers
Employees aren’t the only ones responsible for creating a balance between work and personal life. Employers can take a number of steps to make the transition to remote working more comfortable, such as:
Refraining from texting or messaging employees after business hours
Refraining from demanding email responses after business hours
Creating a protocol for emergency communication
Creating a specific remote work policy
Implementing weekly check-ins on employee health and wellness
Remember the transition to remote work impacts everyone. Creating a conducive work environment ensures a healthier, more productive environment for everyone.
Be Mindful of Your Work-Life Balance
At Mindfulness Strategies, we recognize the importance of drawing a line between work and personal life. When the two lives collide and you cannot distinguish between them, it is easy to become weighed down by feelings of stress, anxiety, and even burnout. To learn more about how we can help you remain motivated and live more mindfully, contact us today.