THE COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant increase in employees working remotely from home. While lauded as the epitome of flexible work arrangements, working from home can create blurred boundaries, making it difficult for workers to compartmentalise the elements of work and family life.
While research suggests that while working from home has many benefits, Organisational Psychologist Justine Alter shares concerns that she continues to hear about from many people – that there can most definitely be drawbacks; “At this time when we are not only working FROM home but working WITH home – the boundaries between work and home are almost non-existent.” It is important that workers (and their employers) understand that it brings with it a number of pressure points that need to be managed effectively to prevent increased stress and detrimental impact on mental health.
Build better boundaries; Access to 24/7 technology makes it difficult to ‘switch off’ and many of us are accessing work emails and taking calls when we wouldn’t usually do so. Clear communication with your employer and colleagues can help establish boundaries, as can scheduled breaks and maintaining regular routines. Having a consistent approach to work hours and response times (and using functionality such as out of office notifications) can help to establish expectations with colleagues around your availability.
Boundaries in the home can be difficult for the remote worker and others in their household. Creating a structured schedule (while allowing for flexibility), may help you to better balance your work and personal commitments while also considering the needs of others in the home. Set up a separate physical workspace where possible, away from the general household and other distractions. Maintaining some of your usual work habits (i.e. regular lunch break) can also assist in keeping your ‘work time’ more structured, and minimise the chance of being distracted by non-work related activities and the boundaries being blurred.
Communication is important: Clearly communicate your needs to your team mates and employer, while remembering that others around you may also be making their own adjustments as their personal and work circumstances change. Examine your current routines, and that of your colleagues and household, and consider what may need to be adjusted to better create a work-life balance. Consistent and regular communication is likely to encourage/develop a sense of trust, leaving workers and their employers feeling less pressure to ‘check in. By communicating clearly one can minimise assumptions which often lead to resentment.
General health and safety is important when working remotely. Ensure that you have the appropriate tools to maintain contact with colleagues throughout the work day, and set up an ergonomic work space which meets OHS requirements.
For more tips and ideas about working from home take a look at an expanded resource “Transition to Home: What Do I Need To Know About Working from Home With Kids and Partners through COVID-19?”
Written by Organisational Psychologist, Justine Alter www.transitioningwell.com.au – work-life wellbeing experts.
