10 Apr How to Maintain a Strong Work/Life Balance as a Remote Employee
As a remote worker, it can be challenging to separate your work and life responsibilities. Rather than leave your work behind at the office, it’s always in your home or on your computer, easily accessible. It is easy to spend every spare minute sitting behind the computer screen and catching up on emails, getting ahead on a project, etc. However, when you don’t maintain a strong work/life balance, you run the risk of many adverse effects on your health and your work performance.
To prevent this from happening, let’s talk about several ways to maintain a strong work/life balance as a remote employee.
Establish dedicated work hours
One of the benefits of working remotely is the flexibility of the position. You can likely work unusual hours and the traditional 9 to 5 is no longer necessary. However, it is still wise to establish a routine and dedicated work hours. This offers many benefits for both you and your entire remote team. For example, when you establish dedicated work hours, your team members know when to reach out to you, when you will be available to answer questions, etc. You will become a more reliable employee.
Additionally, you’ll know when it’s time to turn off your computer screen and walk away. When your dedicated hours are over each day, you must go offline. Go outside and get some fresh air, spend time with your family, exercise, etc. These activities will prevent you from feeling burned out. You’ll feel rejuvenated and ready to get back to work the next day!
Create a home office
As you strive to maintain a strong work/life balance when working from home, you want to create a dedicated work space. It allows you to put your work aside and go someplace where you can relax and de-stress. This means you don’t want to complete your work while sitting on the couch or in bed.
Create a home office in a spare room or if space is limited, set up a desk in a corner of a room. Aim to complete all work in this area and only work-related tasks. Having this dedicated work space will also help your family recognize when you are focused on work and when you are completing more casual tasks.
Use your vacation time
In the United States, less than half of employees take the time to plan their vacation days and more than $66.4 billion benefits are lost each year. While there are many reasons individuals don’t use their vacation time, there are many health benefits to this hard-earned time.
For example, some health benefits to taking time off work include reduced stress, decreased risk of heart disease, and improved sleep quality. As a remote employee, you may find the flexible schedule doesn’t require you take as much vacation time, but by planning and scheduling your days, you will find you are much happier and healthier than when you do not.
As a remote employee, you can still maintain a strong work/life balance. By keeping the above three tips in mind, you will find more job satisfaction, be happier, and notice improved health.
