For many, working from home permanently offers more benefits than going into an office. No commute times, child care flexibility, spending the whole day with a pet (or in your pjs), the list of good things seems to far outweigh the negative for most workers.
In fact, a 2022 study from Pew Research Center found that 61% of American workers are choosing to work from home, while 38% are working from home because their office is still unavailable. In the earlier stages of the pandemic, the numbers were reversed with 64% working from home because their office wasn’t available and 36% choosing to work from home.
It’s safe to say that if given the option, the majority of people will clock in and out from the comfort of their own home or apartment.
However, as with most good things, there are also some downsides. Many people find it difficult to take breaks because they feel guilty. Some are clocking in more hours because they feel pressured to do so. Others miss interactions with coworkers.
But remote workers (just like in person workers) need to take care of themselves. So if you’re working from home like our team at Streetlight Digital, here are 5 self care tips just for you.
Establish a Routine that Works for You
One of the best parts about remote working is that it allows for flexibility in establishing a schedule. For many of us, it’s something we’ve wanted for years. Take advantage of that.
You owe it to yourself to figure out a routine that allows you to be your most productive self. Whether that’s clocking in earlier, taking a break in the morning after answering emails, staying on later when it’s quiet… discover a routine and schedule that helps you shine.
Take a Break
No, seriously. Do it.
And don’t just say you’re going to do it and then don’t — actually do it.
Block time off on our calendar. Set your Slack or Microsoft Teams status to away. Whatever you need to do to make sure it happens, do it. You deserve it.
And if you need a little extra push…
Go Outside
With warmer weather approaching, there’s nothing a little fresh air can’t fix. Going outside is the perfect excuse to soak up some rays — whether during lunch or a 15 minute refresher. If you’re close to a coffee shop, consider taking a stroll for a midday pick-me-up. Your body and mind will thank you.
Make Time for Other Humans
Remember those organic moments with coworkers while filling up your water bottle or heating up your lunch? Moments like those can be hard to replicate in a remote setting. But not impossible. Working in a different space than colleagues just means a little extra effort is needed to connect.
Consider taking some time at the beginning of a meeting to ask someone how they’re doing. And really listen to what they say and how they feel.
Did their favorite musician release a new album? Is a new season premiering of their favorite show? Ask them about it.
If you both had a stressful meeting, hop on a call after to discuss.
These little moments of connection are all around us. Working from home may make them harder to find, but they are there. So be on the lookout for them.
Be Gentle with Yourself
Even though we’ve been navigating this new world for over two years, life is still different. As much as we’ve adjusted (or at least think we have), there’s also a huge part of us that hasn’t.
So, be gentle with yourself. You’ll have good days and bad days. Productive and unproductive ones. Days that fly by and days that drag on.
But guess what? You had days like that while going into an office, too. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad employee. It just means you’re human. We’re all still figuring this out and that’s okay.
— Words and wisdom from Sammie Janik, Digital Advertising Strategist