Working from home presents a new set of challenges for employees. One of these challenges includes employees reporting increasing burnout from working from home.
According to the Mayo Clinic burnout is defined as “a special type of work-related stress- a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that also involves a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of personal identity.”
Burnout has always been an issue workers have faced, but recent polls have shown that fully remote workers now experiencing more burnout. This increased burnout can be attributed to the demands of work and childcare throughout this pandemic, and additionally, record unemployment and job insecurity. These distractions lead to increased difficulty staying focused during the workday hours.
Over performance is a big issue at-home workers are currently experiencing, remote workers are reporting longer hours even without extra supervision or incentives. This over performance is leading to a higher rate of burnout, which can lead to long term health issues and career regression.
Here are some signs you are experiencing burnout.
Avoiding Work: Avoiding emails, phone calls, meetings, or general procrastinating of work can be a sign of burnout.
Declining Performance: In early stages of burnout when our brains are constantly in a state of stress, this can cause a slip in ambition and responsibility.
Apathy or Exhaustion: A lack of pride in your accomplishments, neglection of self care habits, or irritability can be a sign of burnout.
Inability to Disconnect: Overworking is a big danger of working from home, without having coworkers to notice changes in work habits or behaviors. Each employee is now responsible for self-management, and finding their own solutions to combat burnout.
If these are signs you are experiencing yourself, here are some tips to combat work-from-home burnout.
Carve out your own space: Even if you don’t have the luxury of the dedicated office space, ensuring you have your own desk and comfortable chair is an easy way to set up an efficient workspace.
Set boundaries and limits: Establishing a firm start and end time to your day, including break and meal times is essential to being an effective employee.
If you’re juggling work and family life, set a schedule: Reevaluate your schedule to determine what’s working and what’s not, make adjustments from there.
Practice self-care: Exercise, good sleep, and practicing mindfulness are essential to bring joy to your days and to avoiding burnout.
Reclaim your commute: Use the time you are saving from a lack of a committee to decompress from your day by going on a walk, tuning into a podcast or calling a friend.
Take a day off: Since the average at home employee is working longer and harder if you are experiencing symptoms of burnout take a day to aid in your recovery. This can include self care, or anything that aids in relaxing and recharging.
Oftentimes employees experience symptoms of burnout without realizing their jobs could be one of the main causes. Especially in times like this, the uncertainty of a pandemic, it is important to keep an eye out for these warning signs. If you or a member of your household is experiencing burnout, try following these tips-they could serve to improve both your mental and physical health.
What about you? Which one of these tips will you implement to decrease your risk of experiencing burnout?
Remember, if you’re struggling with coping, don’t hesitate to contact our Employee Assistance Program at 520-575-8623 for completely confidential consultations.