Worried that your work-from-home team is working less? Reports show that US and European workdays have actually gone up by 2 to 3 hours during the lockdowns (NordVPN).
Overworking, rather than slacking, is a much more common problem for newly remote workers. You might already know that yourself. Not only does this lower your productivity, but it also weakens our mental health and immune system. Here’s how to keep yourself and your team from overworking in the new normal of remote work.
Working hours have spiked during the lockdowns and widespread work-from-home approach. We all feel the pressure to be seen as productive and helpful to our companies; however, overworking is bad for your mental health, productivity and immune system.
Here’s how to create a healthy work routine:
- Set start and finish times for your “office day”. Clearly communicate these times to your family. Block the time on your calendar to let your colleagues know.
- Prioritize and finish a handful of important tasks each day. This sense of accomplishment will encourage you to switch off.
- Eliminate distractions, so you won’t feel obliged to work longer. Say NO if you need to.
- Take a work lunch away from your desk.
- Close your door or leave your work area in the evenings. Put away work devices and log out of conferencing and messaging apps. Working late disrupts your sleeping patterns. You’ll have less energy and mental focus the next day. And so, the cycle of overworking continues…
- Remember that anxiety about the crisis might also be causing you to overwork. Focus on the positives in your life, be grateful and find ways to help others.
We might have different personal struggles – but we are all in this together.
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