One of the main consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic amongst office workers is the shift in working habits. Continuous lockdowns taught us that working from home was not only possible, but often a more convenient and productive way for workers to get the job done.
As a result, vast numbers of people have remained at home instead of returning to the office, and working from home has become a normality for many of us.
This week, guest writer Rosie Buckley shares five tips to support your mental health and wellbeing in this ever-evolving world of flexible working.
Prioritise your mental wellbeing
If you are someone who works from home, such as a freelancer or remote office worker, then you might find at times it can take a toll on your mental wellbeing.
While working from home offers numerous benefits, one of the drawbacks is the lack of interaction with colleagues can cause loneliness. If you want to tackle the potential loneliness associated with homeworking, or take steps to maintain a positive mindset while working from home, consider these tips.
1. Maintain a Routine
If you are transitioning from working in an office to working from home, then one of the most effective things you can do is maintain a regular routine. It can be easy to fall into a habit of working longer hours when you work from home, whether you find it a challenge to switch off from digital distractions or struggle with the distinction between home time and work time.
Try to set alarms on your phone which tell you when the working day is over and when your home commitments start, as this will help you to maintain a positive work-life alignment.
2. Establish Boundaries
If you live with other people, it will help to establish boundaries so that everyones knows where they stand, and what’s important to them. You might want to hang a ‘do not disturb’ sign while you’re working so that housemates or your partner know when you’re busy. If you have children, it can also be useful to have a chat and explain that while you’re in the home office, you are doing important work.
You may also wish to set boundaries with a partner, who may wonder why you haven’t completed any household chores during the home working day, which - in theory - could be done in between work tasks (though isn’t always that simple). It can be helpful to explain that although you are physically at home all day, you are mentally at work. While some days will be busier than others, it’s important there isn’t an expectation to get household chores done during the day.
3. Stay Connected
Keeping in touch with people is an important way to maintain a positive frame of mind while working from home. Studies show that seeing a person's face or hearing their voice helps to create a stronger bond and develop a greater sense of connection, compared with texting or emailing.
In light of this, you could consider a phone call to a colleague when you need to ask a question, rather than sending an email, it can be lovely to hear another voice throughout the day. Taking part in team calls is also a good way to maintain relationships while working remotely, and help you to feel as though you are still involved and valued.
4. Utilise Shared Office Space
If you find that solitary work is getting you down, finding a shared office space to work in can be incredibly beneficial to your mental wellbeing. This is especially useful for those who don’t have colleagues they can remain in touch with, such as freelancers or small business owners who work alone.
Flexible working spaces mean that you can rent an office or a desk, without the need for a long term lease. Many flexible working spaces can be rented by the day, allowing you to get out of the house and work amongst other like minded people. This can not only help to tackle remote-worker loneliness, but it can also increase productivity as you won’t have the distractions you have at home, or the lack of distinction between a home space and a work space.
5. Take a Break
In the office, time is often punctuated by meetings and lunch breaks, but when working from home the time can feel more seamless.
If you work remotely, then it’s a good idea to set breaks for yourself at allotted times to ensure your nurture your wellbeing and productivity - whether you choose to stretch your legs, have your lunch away from the screen, or tune into a podcast to learn something new, build these healthy habits as part of your daily routine.
Discover what works for you
If you have previously worked in a busy office, then the transition to working from home can be quite testing. However, taking the above steps and ensuring you stay connected with colleagues and loved ones can make all the difference to help you to adjust more easily.