Workers are clocking up almost 50 minutes extra during the pandemic, according to a report from the National Bureau of Economic Research. But with many working from home, how can we improve that important work life balance?
The statistics from the American researchers also showed an increase in meetings for those working from home.
And although the statistics come from stateside, the major questions raised also apply to UK workers – what about work-life balance when working from home?
Studies have shown a good work-life balance can aid an employee’s productivity, mood as well as showing both mental and physical health benefits over time. But with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the rise in working from home, the lines between work and life have become blurred.
Work life balance working from home
For many, the home is now also the office. The juggling of responsibilities has led to an increase in ‘unusual’ working hours -including an additional 48.5 minutes on average per day. But what can we do as employees to improve work life balance despite the challenging times and how can employers help and see the benefits for themselves?
1. Take a break
We’re all human. Even at the best of times, we need a break – never mind during a worldwide pandemic.
It’s important to take time out during the work day. We’re not saying that you should take a three hour lunch. But get up, walk around, make a coffee. Finish the task in hand and take a short five minute break.
It will allow yourself to approach each task with a fresh set of eyes, separate from the last.
Employers: Recognise these are unusual circumstances. Trust your employees and allow them to step away from the computer for a minute or two – They will will thank you for. Coming back refreshed and reset will also mean a boost in productivity.
2. Don’t forget holidays
Although during the pandemic travelling is a little more problematic that in the past, remember that you are still entitled to holidays.
You still have a contractual right to annual leave in order to take a week away from it all – even if it is just for a day or so to get away from the designated work room; whist appreciating that some people cannot take a lump of annual leave whilst they are covering their furloughed colleagues.
It can be incredibly tempting to just check your emails or quickly send a response while on annual leave, but remember – holidays are there to ensure you relax and recharge your batteries.
It might seem counterproductive to switch off, but you’ll come back refreshed and ready to go.
Employers: By allowing your staff to relax and unwind on holiday without any pressure to keep up with what’s happening, they’ll be more likely to come back happy, refreshed and re-focused.
3. Home or Work?
Depending on your job, you may feel like you are needed 24/7. Very rarely however, is this the case. Your hours may not be 9-5, but remember to make time for family and friends outside of the office hours. Similarly to holidays, switch yourself off from the workplace as much as you can when you are ‘off the clock’. Don’t be tempted to reply to that email or call that person. At the same time however, don’t be tempted to let work from home distractions take over your attention during working hours.
Employers: Don’t expect staff to be available every second of every day. Allow your employees sufficient freedom out of office hours.
4. Get active
If you work with a computer you’ll spend a lot of time sitting – around 9.5 hours a day in fact. It’s a given of the 21st century workplace. Activity outside the office then, becomes key. Consider joining the gym, going for a walk or playing some sort of sport. It doesn’t have to be anything groundbreaking, but physical activity has been shown to boost positive physical and mental wellbeing.
Some gyms and sports centres may still be closed, but it’s still possible to stay active – a short walk or run could do you wonders.
Employers: Think about your employees as people away from the office. Consider online fitness challenges to keep the friendly competitiveness alive. This could even help with team bonding in the long run.
5. Eat well
While working from home, it can be tempting to head to the snack cupboard and grab a packet of crisps or a chocolate bar to keep you going. But this constant grazing will do you no favours, long term. Instead plan hearty and healthy meals to a schedule and avoid snacking where possible.
Employers: Keep in contact with remote working employees and consider sending healthy, simple recipes to staff – it could be a great conversation starter between employees.