Working from home has its benefits: no more driving through rush hour traffic, long commutes, and microwaved lunches. But there are also limitations. With this new reality comes a new quest for life balance, namely knowing when to log off.
THE RIGHT TO DISCONNECT
More and more experts are proclaiming the right to disconnect. For workers to have that right, teleworking and hybrid models need to be better regulated. Québec’s order of certified human resources advisors is calling for each organization to create a clear and consistent policy so that guidelines and boundaries between personal and professional lives will be the same for all employees. And why not legislate a solution and pass a law on the right to disconnect? France did it four years ago, and Québec could follow her leads since a bill was tabled in the National Assembly in June 2020. However, even before a law is adopted, it is possible to establish some practices in order to bring balance to remote working.
ORGANIZING YOUR DAY
How? First, by scheduling working hours, meetings and time for deep focus in advance. But this also applies to details. For example, add a note at the end of your emails stating you will reply only during work hours. Block access to your emails during evenings and weekends or go for a walk during breaks to avoid going online again. All these little gestures will help you disconnect from work but also be more efficient and productive when you’re working.
HAVING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
Sleeping well, eating well, and exercising are the most common health tips we get. Being steps away from the fridge can be distracting (the temptation to snack is real), but it can also be an advantage when you have access to home-cooked meals and fresh produce. Work in front of a screen? Change up your position, go for a run during lunch time, and organize outside meeting. Even when working from home, it’s important to maintain relationships with coworkers.”
” Even when working from home, it’s important to maintain relationships with coworkers. ”
BUILDING AND MAINTAINING CONTACT
Isolating yourself is out of the question! Even when working from home, it’s important to maintain relationships with coworkers. Laughing with your team, recognizing successes, and talking spontaneously will not only reduce stress but also build team cohesion, and in the end, it will increase productivity while maintaining a healthy life balance.
This article first appeared in the November issue of Medicart’s free web magazine. To subscribe, click here.