How to Make Working From Home Work For You

Posted on June 26th, 2023

Working From Home has been extremely popular in Australia since we learnt it was possible in recent years. With many companies and employees continuing to embrace this new way of working, whether it be hybrid or fully remote, here are some great tips for employees to ensure that working from home will remain a productive and happy workplace.

1. Set boundaries with family or housemates: Let them know when you are working and ask them to respect your work hours. You may also need to set up physical boundaries such as closing your office door or wearing noise-cancelling headphones to minimize distractions.
2. Dress for success: Although it may be tempting to stay in your pyjamas all day, getting dressed as if you were going to the office can help you get in the right mindset and feel more productive.
3. Make time for physical activity: Without the commute to work, it can be easy to become sedentary. Take a break to stretch, go for a walk or engage in other physical activities to stay energized and avoid burnout.
4. Use technology to your advantage: Video conferencing, instant messaging, and project management software can help you stay connected with your team and keep track of tasks and deadlines.
5. Take care of your mental health: Working from home can be isolating and can blur the lines between work and personal time. Make time for hobbies, relaxation, and socializing with friends and family to avoid feeling overwhelmed or burnt out.
6. Set achievable goals: Break down larger tasks into smaller ones and set achievable goals for each day or week. This can help you stay focused and avoid procrastination.
7. Maintain a healthy work-life balance: It can be tempting to work longer hours when you’re working from home, but it’s important to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Set boundaries between work and personal time, and try to stick to a consistent schedule.
8. Stay connected with colleagues: Working from home can be isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Take time to connect with colleagues through video conferencing, instant messaging, or social media to maintain a sense of community and collaboration.

If you’re seeking a new role that is more suited to your lifestyle, then contact us at Norwest Recruitment for a confidential chat on 8853 4111 or email recruit@norwestrecruitment.com.au.

Is working from home (WFH) becoming Australia’s most significant work safety hazard?

Posted on June 7th, 2023

Safe Work Australia identifies remote or isolated work as a psychological hazard. Over the past year, there have been noticeable signs of “the great exhaustion” in the local job market. Long-term remote work can have a negative impact on mental health, as highlighted by the Black Dog Institute. Is this contributing to the prevailing exhaustion?

According to a study conducted by the American Psychiatric Association in May 2021, nearly two-thirds of people who spend at least some time working from home say they’ve felt isolated or lonely from time to time. For 17%, that is a constant feeling.

It is crucial that we delve deeper into understanding the correlation with our fatigued workforce. In recent years, workplace wellness has gained prominence, with immeasurable positive effects for employers who have embraced it. However, employers who neglect this aspect face consequences such as burnout, workers’ compensation claims, toxic work cultures, poor performance, disengagement, and staff turnover.

I had the privilege of interviewing Fiona Kane, a professional speaker on health and workplace wellbeing from Informed Health, to gain further insights on this topic.

 

Interview with Nicole and Fiona: Discussing Work from Home and Workplace Wellness

 

Nicole: Hello everyone, today we have Fiona Kane from Informed Health, a professional speaker on health and workplace wellbeing. We’ll be discussing the impact of working from home on mental health and the importance of workplace wellness. Welcome, Fiona!

 

Fiona: Thank you, Nicole. I’m glad to be here and discuss this important topic with you.

 

Nicole: Let’s start by addressing the concerns about remote work and its effect on mental health. Safe Work Australia identifies “remote or isolated work” as a psychological hazard. Do you think working from home is contributing to what some are calling “the great exhaustion”?

 

Fiona: Absolutely, Nicole. Over the last 12 months, we have witnessed signs of “the great exhaustion” in our local job market. Working from home, while it may have started as a novelty, can have a negative impact on our mental health over prolonged periods. Studies show that nearly two-thirds of people who work from home have felt isolated or lonely, and for some, it’s a constant feeling. This isolation and loneliness can certainly play a part in the overall exhaustion we’re observing.

 

Nicole: Workplace wellness has gained significant attention in recent years. Can you explain what workplace wellness looks like and the benefits it brings?

 

Fiona: Workplace wellness is all about creating a positive environment. It’s a place where employees can have a real lunch break, away from their computers, and where toxic cultures are non-existent. A workplace that values the health of its people sees happier and more productive employees. When individuals feel their health is valued, they feel empowered and are more likely to contribute positively. Ultimately, a culture of energetic, healthy, and happy staff creates positive outcomes for everyone involved.

 

Nicole: As a corporate workplace wellness coach, how do you perceive the state of mental health within the current job market?

 

Fiona: Mental health is a significant problem in the current job market. Stress is one of the primary concerns raised by individuals, as many feel overstretched and overwhelmed. The past couple of years have been challenging for everyone, and people have developed unhealthy habits like overeating or excessive alcohol consumption. While working from home provided flexibility, it blurred the lines between personal and work life, leaving many confused about boundaries. Additionally, the lack of human contact has further contributed to the sense of isolation. Re-establishing belonging and connection strategies is crucial to re-engage employees and address mental health issues.

 

Nicole: What advice would you offer employers to support healthy workplaces?

 

Fiona: Establishing healthy boundaries is essential. Employers should encourage open communication and create an environment where employees feel comfortable asking for help when needed. It’s important to support movement and encourage employees to take breaks. Activities like going for walks with the team or engaging in healthy socializing can contribute to overall well-being. Employers should also avoid practices that keep employees tied to their desks, like providing lunch in the office without allowing them to take a real break. Promoting a healthy balance in all aspects of work is key.

 

Nicole: With the current low unemployment rate, employees often find themselves burdened with extra work due to lengthy recruitment cycles. What advice do you have for employees who are experiencing burnout?

 

Fiona: First and foremost, employees need to be present within themselves and recognize their feelings. If they are stressed and find themselves taking it out on their loved ones, it’s important to address the underlying issues. Identifying personal needs, such as taking time out, eating properly, or seeking emotional support, can help alleviate burnout. It’s crucial to acknowledge problems and find possible solutions individually before expecting employers to address them.

 

Nicole: For employers, what signs should they look out for to identify staff burnout?

 

Fiona: Any change in behavior can be an indicator of burnout. If an employee becomes unusually quiet or exhibits irritability, it could be a sign. Paying attention to an individual’s general vitality or performance can also offer insights. It’s important to take the time to genuinely ask employees how they are doing and listen to their response. By creating a safe space where employees feel cared for, employers can address burnout effectively.

 

Nicole: Hybrid work offers various benefits, but it has also blurred the line between work and personal life, impacting work-life balance. What healthy habits do you recommend to assist with this?

 

Fiona: When working from home, it’s crucial to establish clear boundaries. Turning off the laptop, not accepting work-related calls after hours, and discussing expectations with family members are important steps. Employees should take real breaks and avoid using that time for housework. Putting excessive pressure and expectations on oneself can lead to exhaustion. Remember, we wouldn’t necessarily have the time or expectations to do housework if we were in the office, so it’s important to set realistic boundaries and prioritize self-care.

 

Nicole: Thank you, Fiona, for sharing your valuable insights on this important topic of workplace wellness and the impact of remote work on mental health.

 

Fiona: You’re welcome, Nicole. It was my pleasure to discuss these crucial aspects of employee well-being with you today. Thank you for having me.

Work From Home Linked To Greater Psychological Hazards

Posted on June 7th, 2023

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home (WFH) has become more common, and many believe it has contributed to the “great exhaustion” in the workforce. Safe Work Australia has identified remote or isolated work as a psychological hazard. A study by the American Psychiatric Association shows that nearly two-thirds of people who spend some time working from home feel lonely or isolated, and for 17%, this feeling is constant.

Employers who have not prioritised workplace wellness may face problems such as worker’s compensation claims, toxic work cultures, poor performance, disengagement, and staff turnover.

Corporate wellness coach, Fiona Kane, advises employers to support healthy workplaces by providing healthy boundaries and encouraging activities that support movement, monthly health challenges, and connecting with nature. She suggests that having healthy boundaries and feeling safe and supported to ask for help when needed are crucial for employees’ well-being.

Here is some advice from Fiona to assist employers with staff working from home.

Workplace wellness involves investing in the health and well-being of employees to create a positive and productive work environment. This includes:

• Encouraging healthy habits such as exercise, healthy eating, and stress management
• Offering mental health support and resources
• Creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture
• Providing opportunities for personal and professional development

The state of mental health in the current market is a big problem, with stress and burnout being major concerns. The shift to remote work has created blurred lines between work and personal life and has resulted in isolation for some employees.

Employers can support healthy workplaces by:

• Encouraging healthy boundaries and open communication
• Providing opportunities for employees to connect with nature and exercise
• Offering fun and engaging health challenges
• Encouraging regular breaks and a proper lunch break
• Providing mental health support and resources

For employees feeling the effects of burnout, it is important to prioritise self-care and communicate with your employer about your workload and any adjustments that may be needed. Taking breaks, practicing stress management techniques, and seeking support from a mental health professional can also be helpful.

 

View Fiona Kane’s full interview as we take a deep dive into creating healthy workplaces.

 

Written by Nicole Sissini – Commercial Manager