The blurred lines of working from home
Many of us have been working from home for nearly a year now. At first, it was new, it was exciting, and we were grateful for the extra time not spent stuck in traffic, yet almost a year on we’re asking the question: “When does work end, and home time begin?”
With many of us working from the places that we used to escape to after a day of work to seek solace, such as our kitchens, dining rooms, and beyond, data suggests that we’re finding it increasingly harder to switch off of an evening.
The data in question is from NordVPN. Their servers found that those in the UK working from home are spending on average two extra hours per day working, as well as taking shorter lunch breaks.
The consequence of overworking oneself is an empty inbox, as well as an increased risk of suffering from burnout. One survey reporting 75% of employees have felt burnout at work, with 40% of those experiencing it whilst working from home due to the pandemic.
How to spot burnout
- Stress
- Emotional wellbeing deteriorates
- Reduced productivity
- Physical symptoms such as headaches and lethargy.
What should you do if you’re suffering from burnout?
- Seek support, speak with trusted colleagues
- Try to do something that you find relaxing
- Get some exercise – endorphins are everything!
- Get some sleep – recoup some energy
- Practice mindfulness – this really helps to clear your mind and help you feel calm.
Luckily, the end of working from home is in sight for some, but these tips will be really handy and helpful even when back in the office.
Still, working from home has blended the mix of business and pleasure to the point where… we’re not sure when work ends and home time begins, which poses the questions:
How do you distinguish between the two and set boundaries?
Will you continue to work as late when you’re not working from home?
Will your workload change once you return to your place of work?
So many questions, so little time.
Drop us a comment and let us know what you think!
