Remote working has lots of high impact benefits, but it also has its pitfalls. The boundaries between home and working life can become blurred or even disappear completely. This makes it difficult to switch off at the end of the working day. Some people also suffer from the lack of social connection, and find juggling between home and work responsibilities during the course of the working day stressful.
In the above article, we saw how you can prevent and treat burnout in general at work, but what about practical tips for remote workers specifically? If you’re looking for some pointers for a WFH context, you’ve come to the right place. Click here to read a detailed article published by Lifespan.com on this subject, or read the synopsis below:
– Take breaks
Working eight hours straight through can leave you mentally and emotionally exhausted. Try to take breaks throughout the day. Rather than surfing social media, call a friend or go for a walk outside for a quick reset.
– Maintain your schedule
Pretending you’re getting ready for a day at the office can help to get you into a productive mindset. Write a to-do list each day and be clear with your colleagues about when you’ll be logged-on and contactable.
– Set up a dedicated workspace
Choose a dedicated workspace with minimal distractions. Ideally, you can shut the door to the rest of the house or flat, even figuratively, to mentally separate your working part of the day from your leisure time.
– Exercise
Even if you can’t dedicate a large chunk of time to exercise, small bursts can be just as effective. Virtual fitness apps and online videos can work wonders during the colder months, and the value of the humble walk should never be underestimated.
– Switch off during non-working hours
At the end of the working day, jot down an action list for the next day in a notepad, shut down your computer, and put both out of sight and out of mind. Do not give in to the temptation of checking your emails later on your phone. Keep front of mind that the “always-on” culture does more harm than good in the workplace, and you absolutely need to maintain a good work/ life balance to remain productive and avoid burnout. Full stop!
– Reach out for help
If the symptoms of burnout feel uncomfortably close, consider looking for professional help.
We hope you find these tips useful. Rendez-vous here this time, next week for more articles designed to support you in your working life in general and as regards finding your new dream job. If finding a new position is in your sights, get in touch with the team of trusted recruitment experts at ABL, so we can brainstorm your next career move together.
