5 keys to keeping it together when we’re all working apart
In the two months since stay-at-home orders took effect
across the country, we’ve all wondered whether this is the new normal.
Who knows! But what’s certain is remote work is here to stay for the foreseeable future – likely until Labor Day and beyond – and so this pandemic will continue to have a big impact on everyone’s mental health.
Mental stamina
The challenge of working from home every day can be taxing
on everyone at your organization.
After two months at home, some employees will be experts at getting their jobs done – others will be at their wit’s end.
It’s going to take a great deal of mental stamina for you
and your team to continue pushing through, and psychologist Darrin Grelle,
principal research scientist for SHL, has some great remote work strategies you
can pass along to your team to help everyone get through this.
1. Separate
If you have a home office or other private room with a door,
work from there, Grelle says. Of course, many don’t have this luxury. Instead
of a room, designate a specific area for you to work in.
Your area can be as simple as a spot at the kitchen table or
a cushion on your couch. The idea is to have a separate physical space dedicated
to work – this will help you to form a mental separation between your work life
and your home life.
If you need to do something non-work related during the day,
leave your designated work space to do it. This will also help you gain
awareness of how much time you’re
spending on other activities, Grelle says.
2. Connect
A lot of important socialization and relationship building
happens in the workplace. Take that away, and employees might find themselves
running out of steam.
To stay connected with everyone, take advantage of the chat
system your organization uses, and say hi to those who are available. Your
colleagues are likely just as eager for some conversation.
Virtually chatting with your co-workers will help break up
the day, facilitate idea sharing and relieve stress, Grelle says.
3. Disconnect
Working from home can cause you to lose track of time. With
everyone at your company on different at-home schedules, it can be tricky to
know when to log off and call it a day. With your laptop readily available, you
might find yourself working late and checking emails constantly.
This is a recipe for burnout. According to Grelle, it’s
essential to have a firm start and stop time while working at home. And when
it’s time to sign off, shut your computer down and don’t turn it back on until
the next day.
4. Get dressed
Many might be tempted to stay in their pajamas all day, but
this can make it difficult to fully engage in your work. Grelle says it’s
important to put on something other than pjs.
Obviously, this doesn’t mean you should be putting on skirts
or ties – but getting up, getting dressed and settling into your work area will
give you a sense of much needed normalcy.
5. Keep moving
Working from the comfort of your home makes it a lot easier
to stay seated for much longer than you would in your office chair, which isn’t
good.
It’s important to get up frequently and keep your blood
pumping. Walk around, do some stretches – even a small amount of activity will
help you refocus and concentrate.
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