People have been working from home for longer than anticipated. However, it seems that work from home (WFH), remote, and hybrid schedules are here to stay.
For that reason, it's time to think about a new way of working. Not just to remain productive but also to focus on a better work environment at home and at the office.
In the new year, you should find time to discover balance. Concentrating on your well-being should be a priority. It's time to set a new year's resolution.
The new year brings a new way of thinking about work. This article will highlight working from home and hybrid work models by covering six tips to success.
6 Tips for Success to Develop New Habits for Working from Home
Remote and hybrid work professionals have higher job satisfaction scores than those who go into the office every day. These employees scored an average of 75 out of 100 on the Workforce Happiness Index.
That said, there are some things you can do to help increase your job satisfaction even more. Here are some tips for developing new habits when working from home to improve your overall well-being.
1. Keep working on your work/life balance
Stay aligned with your priorities. To do this, you must find (and keep working on) your work/life balance.
You cannot solely focus on work when you are at home. However, you can set guidelines for you and anyone else living in your home. Set hours for which they know you should not be disturbed.
Take time during the day to manage responsibilities around the home that have nothing to do with work.
Also, make sure you take days off. Just because you can do the work because it's at the house doesn't mean every day is a workday.
2. Take frequent microbreaks and stretch
One disturbing statistic is that employees are pushing themselves harder and not taking breaks like they did when they worked in the office every day. On average, remote workers put in an extra 26 hours of work each month because they did not take the appropriate time away from their desks for breaks.
Just because you are working from home, doesn't mean you should work all day with no breaks. Microbreaks are an excellent solution.
A microbreak is a break taken in short intervals (3 to 5 minutes) and allows you to decrease stress, replenish energy levels, and relieve muscle tension from sitting all day.
Get up and stretch. Take a short walk. The goal is to step away from your workstation and take a moment to relax.
3. Implement a virtual commute for self-care
On days when you work from home, try a virtual commute. Normally, when you had to go into the office it required you to commute to work. Since you no longer have to drive to the office, take that time to focus on self-care.
You can read a book, meditate, do yoga, take a walk, journal, listen to your favorite music. The list goes on. The point is to take this gift of extra time you spent commuting and take care of yourself in a meaningful way.
4. Invest in your set-up
If this is your new work model long term, take care of your body and invest in comfortable ergonomic equipment. This equipment includes, but is not limited to:
- Standing desk solutions
- Foot and backrests
- Seat cushions
- Laptop risers
- Monitor stand and arms
- Keyboard drawers
- Ergonomic devices, like keyboards, mice, and trackballs
Another way to invest in your setup is to find solutions for easier connectivity. Docking stations are an excellent choice for remote and hybrid workers because you can connect all your devices and save on the wear and tear of ports. Some even have charging capabilities for all your devices.
5. Check in with your coworkers
Now that many people do not see their coworkers on a regular basis, it is essential to make time to check in with them. Take some time each week for a quick conversation like the ones you would have had while being in the office together. It is crucial for the well-being of everyone involved.
Plan special events if possible. If people aren't comfortable meeting in person, plan something that can be done via video conferencing. Team building exercises can be done remotely too.
6. Keep up with your hobbies
Hobbies are a great way to focus on self-care and having a work/life balance where you feel more satisfied with your new remote work environment. So, keep up with your hobbies or find a new one!
Don't make work your only hobby. Instead, continue to find things you love to do and keep working on those.
A change of scenery can boost your mood and your mental health. While working from home, think of things you love to do that get you out of the house. See new sights in your community.
Make sure you prioritize time for these hobbies. If you're not sure what you would like to do for fun, here is a list of low-cost hobbies to give you some ideas:
- Crafting or DIY projects
- Gardening
- Cooking or baking
- Bowling
- Dancing
- Volunteering
- Go camping
- Scrapbooking
- Drawing
Kensington Can Help You Keep Your New Year’s Resolution for a Better Work/Life Balance
Kensington has the tech accessories to meet your new year's resolutions. Whether you're looking for a better work/life balance or you want to build new habits to help you stay productive, we have what you need. Get your home office ready for the new year so you can feel more comfortable when you're working from home.
Are you ready to establish a better work/life balance and make positive changes to your WFH environment? Contact us here at Kensington to find out how we can help you set new habits for success.