The last year has been challenging (to say the least!). With the global pandemic of COVID-19 changing the world and the way we know it, it’s affected the way we go about our everyday lives in just about every possible aspect - financially, physically, socially and mentally.
One of the biggest impacts of social distancing for many is the prospect of working from home. Whether you love it or hate it, it’s forced many into a new routine that comes with its own challenges. So, what does 2021 look like for the modern employee? We’ve got some tips to give you a healthy balance between work and home life.
Practical remote working space
Many predict that it will be quite some time before offices are at full capacity with employees going into the office five days a week. Others predict that it might not happen at all and that remote working is the way of the future for many industries and companies that thrive on digital platforms. For employers, having employees work remotely means that there’s an opportunity to save the expense of rent for large commercial spaces. With this potentially permanent move for many businesses, what does that mean for you as an employee?
Firstly, establish a practical working space. If you don’t have an office or study at home, create a zone that you can dedicate as your work station. Fit it out with a computer, ergonomic chair, stationery and anything else that you would’ve had at your desk in the office. Get into the habit of making that work zone one that you enter in working hours and leave when the business day is over.
Taking care of mental and physical health
If you’re working from home, it can become too easy to roll out of bed 10 minutes before clocking on, sitting in your pyjamas all day and not leaving your computer for hours at a time. Instead, make a conscious effort to leave your desk on your lunch break. Even better, try to leave the house altogether and enjoy the sunlight and fresh air that the outdoors has to offer. Being outside lifts your mood and gives you the break you need to be productive when you return to your desk.
Lunchtime isn’t the only time in the day that you can use to take care of your mental and physical health. Since you’re no longer going into the office, use what would have been your commute time to fit in some exercise in the mornings or evenings. Whether your choice is to go to the gym, stretch and meditate or take a walk around the block - any form of physical activity will make a world of difference, giving you a boost of energy and benefitting your overall health.
Developing a daily and weekly routine
Because working from home offers flexibility, it’s not uncommon to get caught up in working around the clock. Not to mention how tricky it is to separate your work life and home life if it’s all happening in one space. The good thing is that you can create a balance if you stick to the same routine on most days and weeks. Plan out your meals, chores, errands, weekend activities and fit them into your calendar so that you’re well-prepared for what you need to do outside of work hours. Having such a routine will help you to avoid working overtime or in scattered hours. It keeps priorities in perspective and encourages you to keep productive in the hours that you’re meant to be at your desk - meaning an on-time clock-off!
