Working from anywhere can complicate work-life balance
When an Internet connection means employees can work from anywhere, the line between work and life can dissolve and lead to burnout.
Burnout is associated with anxiety, depression, insomnia, emotional and physical exhaustion, and loss of cognitive focus, and can happen whether someone is working beachfront, internationally, or on their front porch. Here are some tips to help create a working space that is good for your professional, physical, and mental health.
- Establish and stick to a routine. The freedom of remote work is freeing, but an established schedule keeps everyone on track and reduces distractions.
- Set clear boundaries. Let family, friends, and co-workers know when you are available and request that they call during those times.
- Don’t forget deadlines. A flexible schedule doesn’t mean no schedule. Set realistic deadlines and work to meet them. If there’s an obstacle to crossing the finish line, communicate that to your team as soon as you can.
- Communicate. Communicate. Communicate. Keep everyone on the same page and communicate with your team and managers regularly. Remote working can make communication more difficult, but there are tools – like the NexGen EAP app – that keep everyone connected.
- Breaks are still necessary. Even though employees may be working from their sofas or home office, they still need to take breaks throughout the day. A quick walk or a few stretches can make a world of difference. And don’t forget to eat.
- Come out of the cave. It’s easy for remote workers to shut themselves off from the outside world. Take time each day to connect with people. Reach out with a phone call, text message, or video chat to prevent isolation. A lack of human interaction can also lead to burnout.
Working remotely can be liberating, but adding structure to the mix can help employees remain productive, engaged, and empowered. Resources like NexGen EAP are available to help HR Departments manage remote workers and support those workers outside of the office.
Source:
https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/10-tips-to-help-remote-workers-avoid-burnout/
To learn more about NexGen EAP and how it can improve your organization, contact us today!
