As more and more businesses are transitioning into hybrid/remote working, it’s important to recognise that not everyone is going to deal with the change as well as others. Although remote working boasts advantages such as improved employee happiness and productivity, some people are experiencing higher levels of stress, low motivation and a plummeting output. Here are 5 simple tips that can help you feel more productive and motivated, whilst taking care of your mental health.
1. Keep a healthy routine
With so much uncertainty in the past few years, it is important to try and preserve a routine. Remote working can make it difficult to ‘switch off’ when the working day is over, blurring the lines between work and personal time. Sticking to set working hours and having regular breaks are a great way to keep our attention span on track and to aid productivity. Keeping a steady sleep schedule will also benefit this.
2. Break large tasks into smaller chunks
Without a familiar office environment and the support of your colleagues, it’s easy to fall into a state of overwhelm whilst tackling your workload. Large tasks may seem more daunting than usual, leaving you anxious and stressed. One helpful method for combatting this feeling is to break your larger tasks into tiny chunks.
Visualise your end goal and jot down every little step you’ll need to get there and start making your way through that list. This way, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed and makes it easier to track your progress.
3. Set boundaries
There are bound to be more distractions to deal with at home, perhaps you have children or you care for a dependent person. If you can, set boundaries with other household members. Have a discussion with your family surrounding your needs, and remind them that you still have work to do and require some quiet time to do it. It’s also important to recognise that not everyone has a safe, quiet place to work from home.
If you’re struggling, we highly encourage you to speak to your colleagues or someone you trust at work, who can provide the necessary support.
4. Stay connected
Working from home can be incredibly isolating, and some people spend full days without talking to another human being. It’s important to stay in touch with those close to you during this time, as human interaction matters both in and out of work. One tip is to schedule video calls, as they mimic a face-to-face conversation more so than a phone call.
Similarly, you could pick up the phone rather than emailing. It’s also helpful to try and schedule something fun with friends/family at the weekend, it gives you something to focus on and look forward to throughout the week!
5. Be kind to yourself
It’s more than okay if you haven’t fully adjusted to home working yet, it’s an unusual situation for everyone. Remember that you are doing your best, and some days will be more productive than others. Be realistic about what you can achieve in your set timeframe, and reward yourself for completing your goals.
If you’re struggling with your mental health whilst working from home and don’t have anyone you can reach out to, you can speak to many different charities and organisations via text or phone call:
- Text SHOUT to 85258
- Call 116 123 for Samaritans, open 24/7 365 days of the year.
- Call 0800 585858 for CALM
- Call 0800 689 5652 for National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK
- MIND (www.mind.org.uk)
- Rethink Mental Illness (www.rethink.org)
- Young Minds (www.youngminds.org.uk)