Work from home? Watch out for burnout. The best way to avoid burnout is by maintaining control over the completed work. Work less. Work better. In today’s digital age, we are pushing to do more and be better than ever before. There are many distractions when working at home, so it is best to focus more deeply on what matters most – what drives passion and creates meaning in life.
Burnout is real. Avoid burnout by staying connected to a purpose. When work becomes too much, burnout can happen. Burnout happens when we forget what matters most. To keep track of work/life balance, click here. Working from home may sound like the perfect opportunity to escape daily office stressors, but many hidden dangers come with working remotely. From mental health concerns such as burnout and depression to physical issues such as obesity, these risks might seem unrelated, but they are not coincidental. Working from home used to be a luxury afforded only to those with the means to support themselves. However, this is not the case anymore. Most employed US adults work part or full-time from home, and it is not just millennials. Whether it is because of convenience, flexibility, or cost, the interest in remote work is only increasing. While working from home has its benefits, it also has its pitfalls. More than half of employees are experiencing burnout symptoms while working from home, and this influx is impacting both business productivity and the overall health of the workforce.
1) Feeling drained from working too hard and feeling conflicted about priorities.
2) Feel numb to work because of dealing with so much stress at home or do not know what it is that holds interest anymore, and alternatively,
3) Working from home used to create a feeling of accomplishment, but now it feels hollow and empty even though the work is complete.
Burnout is a serious issue, with many companies becoming increasingly aware of the necessity to take a more active role in preventing burnout. Many causes and symptoms of burnout can vary from person to person, but it can be an irreversible trend if not caught early. Here are some tips for getting back into the game:
- Reach out for help from family, friends, or even an online community of other remote workers.
- Create set timeframes for work hours; work only during “work hours” and practice relaxation techniques daily.
- Most importantly, take time off from work to rest up, and create a “me-only” week to recharge at least twice during the year.
Learn How to Reclaim Balance:
Working from home sounds like a dream come true, but it can also be a nightmare. All of this remote work means more hours “on the job.” The average employee has reported working more per day since working remotely. Remote work drives an organizational culture shift that will likely allow more flexibility. However, burnout can still happen whether employees are working remotely or on-site. It is crucial to recognize the signs of work-from-home burnout. Remote-work employees must pay attention to energy levels and notice if they may be suffering from burnout, as working from home can be difficult when overworked. It is important to know the signs of fatigue and take care, to not suffer from burnout.
~By Sandra Redmond~