As we near the end of Stress Awareness Month 2022, we want to discuss a type of stress that is still relatively new: work-from-home stress. During the coronavirus pandemic, the government advised over five million people in the United Kingdom to work from home. According to new research into how workers have been affected by the crisis, working from home during the coronavirus pandemic has caused increased levels of loneliness and mental distress. After researchers had controlled for financial circumstances, loneliness and demographic characteristics, people working from home recorded bigger increases in mental distress.
With that being said, there have been huge benefits to working from home, with the flexibility it offers being something we are genuinely passionate about. And 41% of people have said they would resign if their employer cut their pay if they moved to a suburban or rural location to work from home permanently. Here are our tips for reducing stress when working from home:
Develop a regular routine
We all know that working from home can be great for flexible working, but replicating your regular workday and developing a schedule can be really beneficial. There are many project management apps, such as Trello, Notion, and Monday, that let you plan your day. The alternative is to stick to a trusted notebook and pen to write down any tasks you have mentally noted and ensure you keep on top of them. We recommend aiming to get up at the same time each day and setting a regular time for breakfast, showering, etc., to help your mind and body adapt to your new schedule. Make sure to block out times for breaks, too, or you can quickly burn out!
Be mindful of your workplace set-up
We have all been there…in bed, Netflix on, laptop in hand. While it can be incredibly tempting to work from your bed, you want to be careful with your workstation to avoid body pains and injuries. Setting up an ergonomic workstation will boost your energy levels and focus when working from home. The critical thing to remember is to ensure your screen is at eye level. Investing in a laptop stand will help prevent the neck pain we all experienced when we started working from home. The average office worker or student spends 8 hours a day sitting at a desk. Investing in a high-quality ergonomic chair will dramatically improve your posture and help prevent back problems now and in the future. Some of the other benefits include increased blood circulation and sharper focus.
Remember to look after yourself!
One of the most challenging things about working from home can be learning to switch off. It can be really challenging when your workspace is the same place you spend time relaxing and even going to sleep. Try to keep your workspace separate from your relaxation/living space as much as possible. If you have limited space, this can be as simple as investing in a quality workstation, as mentioned above, in your bedroom and making sure you’re not sitting in bed to work. Often, your employer can expense certain things you purchase for your WFH set-up. The Government website lists home-working expenses as any equipment, services or supplies you use for working from home. Examples include computers, office furniture, internet access, pens and paper.
The other crucial thing to remember is to block time for rest and exercise. Make sure you allocate an hour or so in your day for a walk or going to the gym – you’ll find your productivity and energy levels actually increase! Want more help reducing work-related stress? Then check out our tips for avoiding work burnout here.
We hope you found these tips helpful for reducing stress while working from home. Enjoyed this article? Then check out our blog post – How to Get the Most From Your Breaks at Work, for more work and well-being tips.
And for help finding your DREAM flexible, work-from-home job with the UK’s most family-friendly AND forward-thinking employers, head here.
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