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.

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