When it comes to working from home and being a remote employee, this is a reality and trend we are seeing more of. Since the world of work has changed due to the flexibility we never thought we had before the pandemic, and jobs that we thought we could not do in a remote manner were proven to be done as remote jobs. People who work from home face some unique challenges that office workers do not face. The great part about remote work is the fact that you don’t have to complete a commute every day, and you can save money on food and gas, but there are other challenges that remote workers face.
Let’s look at some of the unique challenges that remote workers have and how to alleviate stress related to these common concerns.
Changes in Routine
When you have a job that you have to report to every day, you commonly have a routine that you follow and a time that you get up at to ensure that you are at work on time. One common misconception is that when you work remotely, you can just roll out of bed and start working. While this is possible, it is not recommended.
Setting out a routine before your workday begins is essential. Getting up an hour or two before you start work is ideal. Do some exercise, have a healthy breakfast, mentally prepare yourself for the day, and dress in clothes that will help you feel as if you are at work. You never know when you’ll need to jump on a last-minute conference call!
Social Isolation
At the office, we all interact with other individuals in person, and that can make you feel that you are part of a team. Social isolation is a big issue for people who work remotely. While working alone may be fine for some, for others, it can lead to depression and loneliness. Also, being in your home all day can lead to boredom and/or stress. It is important to remember to connect and chat with your coworkers and manager regularly and make sure that you take some time to get out of the house after the workday to meet with friends or family. This can help to make you feel connected, lessening the feeling of social isolation.
Working Too Much
Working too much can also be a problem with remote work. Have a set start and finish time, and when the finish time comes, if you have completed all your tasks for the day, turn off your devices and move into your personal space. Change into your comfortable clothes, shut the door to the office, and start dinner or go out for a walk. This comes back to routine. Establish an evening routine as well to signal to yourself that the day is done.
Working remotely has its advantages, just remember that you need to separate your personal life from your professional life and have time for yourself to be social and disconnect when the workday is over.
Jennifer Bouley is a Career Development Practitioner located in St Stephen. She has a passion for helping others find wellness in their careers, while finding fulfilling jobs. Jennifer can be reached at blissplusyou@gmail.com.
