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Working from home has become an increasingly popular option for most workplaces.
Getting its start during covid, remote work is here to stay, with many employees benefiting from the flexibility of this arrangement.
Remote work is especially popular for those with disabilities, injuries or illnesses.
Working from an office can be difficult for those with health issues, especially if their treatment involves administering medications or other daily responsibilities.
Eliminating the transit to and from work also removes the pressure and allows for more flexibility in the day to focus on what matters more.
Remote work allows individuals to tailor their work environments to their needs.
However, getting used to a remote workplace can be a little challenging at first.
We have put together our top five tips to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance while working from home.
Create a dedicated workspace
By creating a dedicated workspace within your home, you can benefit from increased focus, productivity and overall comfort.
Make sure your designated space is free from distractions, has proper ergonomic equipment, and is accessible according to your requirements.
It’s also a wise idea to separate your workspace from your personal space, making it easier to switch off and relax when your work day comes to an end.
If you are living within a smaller space, this might just mean setting up a desk or designated work bench, separate from where you have lunch and watch tv at the end of the day.
Establish a routine and stick to it
This one might seem obvious, but when we find ourselves at home, it’s easy to slip out of routine and get distracted.
By developing a consistent daily routine, you will be able to provide yourself with a sense of structure and stability.
While a daily routine looks different for everyone and is dependent on your role, some ideas for setting up a daily routine might include:
- Having set start times, finish times and break times (where possible)
- Working in the same spot every day
- Using productivity timers
- Setting alarms for tea breaks and lunch breaks to ensure you allow time to rest and recharge
It’s important to consider your energy levels and any upcoming medical appointments or personal care duties when establishing a routine.
Once you have established a routine, it’s wise to share this with your coworkers as well as anybody living in your household with you.
This way you better manage expectations and boundaries.
Prioritise your physical and mental health
At the end of the day, you come before your job, so make sure you are taking care of your physical and mental health in order to create a balanced work-life routine.
This might mean making sure you are participating in activities that help you relax and recharge on the weekends or scheduling regular exercise classes and meditation courses throughout your work week.
It’s also important to keep up with friends and family for emotional support and consider seeking professional assistance if you need it, such as a therapist or a disability employment service provider.
Make use of available tools and resources
You don’t have to do everything alone.
You can leverage technology and support services to help manage your workload and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Consider downloading project management tools, communication apps, or accessibility features on your phone or laptop.
You may also be eligible for funding for reasonable accommodations that could enhance your remote work experience.
To find out if you are eligible, it’s best to seek guidance from disability employment services.
These companies have experience with helping find jobs for people with an injury, illness or disability.
Ask for help when you need it
It’s a good idea to monitor how you cope with your work and life responsibilities and reach out for support when needed.
By communicating with your employer about any challenges you face, you can land on appropriate solutions.
It’s also possible to find communities online of other remote workers or other people with the same disabilities or injuries as yourself, and this can be helpful for advice in the workplace and general support and connection.
If the responsibilities of your job are becoming too much, you don’t have to keep pushing in silence.
Instead, reach out and get the help that you need in order to maintain a healthy, happy and comfortable work-life balance.
If you need any further help with your workplace, reaching out to a disability employment service can help you to have another person on your team, ensuring that you are looked after in the workplace.
By incorporating the above tips into your life, you can help create a more sustainable work-life balance while working remotely.
This will drive an increase in productivity, engagement, and overall comfort for you at work.
Remember, every individual is different, and it’s possible that you will need to adapt these strategies to suit your personal needs and circumstances better.