The Unspoken when working from home

Since the outbreak of Coronavirus our economy has been hit dramatically – measures have been put in place to combat the virus spreading and amidst our third national lockdown, many businesses have suffered.

Multiple businesses have completely shut down whilst other employers have had to make changes to ensure they can continue running, prompting thousands of redundancies across the country – around 370,000 of which transpired between August and October alone. The rate would’ve been greater had it not been for the Government’s Furlough Scheme, a system where the government contributes up to 80% of workers’ wages. Rishi Sunak is currently considering a fifth extension which is due to end in April, with the potential to continue through to the summer.

Although unemployment rates continue to rise, alongside the key workers, there are those that remain in work and are doing so from home. To those out of work, working from home may sound like the solution to all problems but even those in these circumstances are faced with challenges.

Despite maintaining a steady income, there are obstacles that come with working from home. For those with children out of school, maintaining working hours has proven difficult – juggling a busy work schedule and family commitments can take its toll on one’s wellbeing. With this demanding reality, it’s essential to build a routine, maintain communication, and not shy away from both honesty and additional support.

People feel less productive

For those who have managed to sustain a workspace from home, video calls and zoom meetings have been a popular resource when colleagues are unable to meet in person. However, despite their productivity in staying connected, many report they are not as productive at home than they are at the office. The environment change can be a concern for those having to find a place to set up, spending hours hunched over a laptop without adequate support and posture has resulted in greater stress on physical injuries. The Institute of Employment’s studies found that more than half of individuals working from home reported neck, shoulder, or back pain. Because of this, it’s vital that whilst this working set up is going to be prevalent for a while, we continue to uphold a sufficient level of movement, adequate breaks, and stretching to avoid unfavorable repercussions.

”Alongside many facing unemployment, there is also significant evidence around increased anxiety for those working from home.”

When managing work demands at home, it’s not just our bodies that have been impacted but our mental health too. No matter our circumstances, it’s something we must look after. Alongside many facing unemployment, there is also significant evidence around increased anxiety for those working from home. It’s been found that over two thirds are experiencing burnt out symptoms, fearing redundancy if they don’t continue to work hard enough.

Whilst some individuals have found relief in missing out on the daily commute and working at their own pace, others have become a victim to their own unnecessary standards and pressure. When makeshift workspaces inhabit the same locations as those where we relax and sleep, it’s been reported that this could be a reason for finding it particularly difficult to switch off, with one in four of us suffering from insomnia since lockdown began.

Maintaining a routine is important

With working from home comes a lack of structure around working hours. This may sound inviting with no boss over your shoulder, but many have found these blurred lines have meant working into the night in order to get things done. It’s vital that we maintain a routine by working and logging off and the same times to maintain a healthy work-life balance. During this uncertain time, we have all built our own coping mechanisms and held onto aspects of our lives that we can remain in control over whilst there is so much happening that’s out of our control. But it’s essential that we consider how helpful these mechanisms are, particularly when continuing work can provide a distraction from emotions of anxiety when stepping away.

”More than 40 percent of us are working longer hours at home that we did in the office.”

It’s been found that more than 40 percent of us are working longer hours at home that we did in the office and despite this being a potential positive for productivity, it can have a negative effect on how we function and lead to dismissing essential care for ourselves, leading to unnecessary burnout. Ensuring we set boundaries is important in order to avoid exhaustion and will enable us to be both more productive and focused when we return.

We are getting worse at creating a work/life balance

We have to remove any guilt attached to constantly needing to be on the go – working hard does not equate to working endlessly. When surrounded by others in a work environment it may have been easier to take breaks simply due to a collection of colleagues doing so, whereas on our own we can feel we need to keep going or else the guilt sets in. It’s important that as well as the individual becoming aware of their routine and establishing breaks that businesses are also proactive in providing structure for their employees, encouraging time for breaks, fresh air, or food. It’s equally in their hands as much as it is for the employees to set that communication and balance.

Due to the nature of the unknown that is lockdown, it’s understandable that our mental health and daily routines are being tested. We can subconsciously put ourselves under unnecessary pressure. If we are working, it can become a distraction and coping mechanism for emotions – a reality that we’re in fear of facing. This can then result in our work becoming all-consuming. It can be useful to remind ourselves that we are able to establish a balance between working and logging off. Caring for our mental well-being is something we can maintain control over amongst the uncontrollable, remembering that Boris’ statement “work from home if you can” doesn’t mean that’s all you’re to do.

Danielle Saunders

Featured image courtesy of Hello I’m Nik on Unplash. Image license can be found here. No changes were made to this image.