Even before the Covid-19 outbreak, we lived in an Always-On culture – technology has allowed us to work anytime anywhere.
As many employees continue to work from home, significantly during Mental Health Awareness Week 2020, it seems more important than ever to find the right work-life balance.
We’ve put together a few relevant tips on how to find and maintain that important line between work and life during the prolonged working from home period.
1. Set aside a space dedicated just for work
This will help you get in the zone and, more importantly, will help you to switch off at the end of the day.
If possible, find a space with lots of natural light to improve morale and productivity.
Give your workspace a personal touch to make it your own. A green plant gives an instant uplift or you could even frame a photo of your favourite colleagues!
2. Get ready for work
Follow your usual morning routine – make some tea or coffee and have breakfast.
Get dresses for your working day.
Many of us do cheat and wear tracksuit bottoms – but that’s ok, it’s important to feel comfortable too!
3. Communication is key
Stay in touch with your colleagues throughout the day – there is no substitute for seeing each other’s faces!
There is a myriad of tools available to help you communicate with your team – for example at GeigerBTC we use Microsoft Teams and GoTo Meetings. We also hold a weekly company-wide video chat every Friday afternoon, where we catch up about the week and have a little bit of office banter that we all miss while working from home!
4. Create a routine and stick to it
Write a plan or your to-do-list either the day before or every morning.
Set your goals for the day, week or month ahead. Put your work away at the end of the day, especially if your workspace is a shared space in your home.
It’s also important to set working hours and stick to them, especially if you have children at home.
5. Take breaks throughout the day and do not skip lunch
Step away from your laptop, make a cup of tea, clear your head, and recharge.
Pop out for some fresh air, check on your children or pets, or make a call to check-in with your friends and family. Make sure to stretch regularly, here is a great guide.
6. Look after your physical health and eat well
It’s important to stay active while we are at home and take outdoor exercise if you can. There are so many fantastic apps and online videos that will allow you to exercise from your living room too.
Eat healthily, choose healthy snacks rather than salty, sugary and high-fat options. Maintain a healthy, balanced diet, drink lots of water, and of course, allow yourself the occasional treat.
And, most importantly, don’t forget your mental health
Make time for mindfulness. Try your best to be patient and positive, and focus on here and now. Identify your triggers and have a plan on how to deal with them, there’s a myriad of techniques available. For example, use the ‘CALM’ technique by assigning each letter to something that makes you feel better and calmer (i.e. C for chocolate, A for art, L for lakes, M for mum).
Meditation can help you to keep focus and perspective in changing times, whilst reading can be your biggest escape and companion. Explore the many apps that are available for both meditation and reading, or why not join a virtual book club!
Remember, we are stronger together!
Even though we are separated in our homes right now, the advances in technology allow us to stay connected to each other in ways we couldn’t even imagine 20 years ago!
Make sure to regularly check in with your colleagues. Feeling lonely or isolated is very common these days – a simple call to say hello can make a huge difference.
Take a creative approach to find your own work/life balance. It’s important for your health, attitude and productivity.
As employers, investing in an employee well-being strategy can help teams feel connected and valued during these difficult days. Sending your staff a gift is the perfect way to show you care about them.
