Guide to Work from Home Wellbeing
Workplace wellbeing has become a hot topic and with the rise of people working from home so has work from home wellbeing. Working from home is amazing and comes with many benefits such as no commuting and being able to have a better work life balance.
Even though it comes with many benefits it also comes with challenges too. It’s important to keep a healthy work/life balance in doing so you’re more productive, resilient, and happy.
Have Boundaries
Working from home it can be easy to let work slip into your day-to-day life. It can also be easier to work longer as you are already at home. To help you with supporting boundaries you can do the following:
???? Digital commute - give yourself the mental time to ready yourself for the day and to be able to switch off for the end of the day. You might want to go for a short walk.
???? Turn off devices and notifications. I don’t mean to turn off notifications during the day. At the end of the day switch off your work devices or if you have work things on your personal phone turn off the notifications for these things.
???? Consistent scheduling – Block out focus time and schedule meetings with an agenda ahead, so the meeting is clear.
Create a Dedicated Workspace
A dedicated workspace gives you a comfortable space to work from. Not everyone has a designated office but having a corner or a certain part of the dining table allows you to have a set space so that you can come away at the end of the day. It is key to have:
???? Have a comfortable chair
????️ Your desk needs to have enough space for your laptop and for you to able to do what you need for work.
Maintaining a Routine
Working from the office you have a routine. You must factor in your commute, start, end, and lunch. Working from home you can fall into the bad habit of turning your computer on earlier or sleeping in and just getting up to work. Try to create a Work from Home routine.
Set an alarm so you wake up at the same time every day.
Find time for mindful moments. Having your coffee and sitting outside.
If you struggle to finish when you are supposed to, try setting an alarm for the end of your day.
Block out your lunch in your calendar so you have that reminder every day.
Stay Connected
Even when you are not in the office it’s important to stay connected to ensure you still have a social element.
Schedule Teams (or equivalent) video calls
Organise virtual social events such as virtual coffee breaks or lunch breaks.
Where possible try to organise in person events too
If you are hybrid, make the most of in person meetings and schedule some time to socialise with your colleagues too
Selfcare is Important
Selfcare is another buzzword. That doesn’t make it any less important though. When it comes to Work from Home Wellbeing selfcare becomes a necessity. We’re not talking facemasks on mani-pedis at work but more about your overall wellbeing.
☕ Take breaks – Taking a break is sometimes what we need to help us change perspectives, solve that problem or be able to deal with the mental load.
???????? Get moving – ensure to make time to get up and move about away from your desk. Desk yoga can also help to stretch and take a break.
???? Use the Pomodoro method – everyone needs to take a break but with the Pomodoro method it sets out working 25 minutes for a 5-minute break.
???? Get outside – whether you go for a lunchtime walk or use it as your wind down at the end of the day.
In addition to this make sure that you get enough sleep, nourish your body, and take note of any signs that you are struggling. If you are struggling be sure to reach out and ask for help.
Use Business Resources
We can’t talk about wellbeing without talking about workplace wellbeing and what businesses are offering.
What wellbeing initiatives do your work have
Some work programs have built-in wellbeing tools. Some Microsoft 365 accounts have Viva insights. This tool allows you to set digital commutes, log how you’re feeling, send praise to colleagues, and set focus time where you can’t be disturbed. It also analyses your meetings and has some breathing exercises.
It’s always worth looking to see what is available and making the most of it and remember it's okay to disconnect after work hours. The CIPD highlights the "Right to Disconnect," which allows employees to switch off from work outside of normal hours, ensuring better work-life balance and wellbeing .
Resources:
CIPD Source: (https://www.hr-inform.co.uk/system/files/downloads/2021-06/Right%20to%20disconnect%20policy.docx?destination=/node/16613).