We aren’t really built to work more than 40 hours a week. Our bodies and minds start wearing out, and the quality of our work drops. After 50 hours, things really fall apart. Many professionals know the dangers of overworking, with loads of statistics and studies supporting this. So, why do 82% of people working from home in the U.S. still struggle with burnout?
In this article, we’ll look at what causes burnout for remote workers, the importance of mental health, and three ways to maintain a good work-life balance consistently, not just occasionally.
Although working remotely isn’t new, many businesses had to switch from in-person to completely remote at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Months later, many companies are choosing a hybrid workplace model over returning fully to in-person work. Why? Well, 83% of employers say remote work produces excellent results. Additionally, companies save $11,000 annually for every employee who works remotely even half of the time.
There are benefits to remote work, like flexible schedules and cost savings, but it can be a significant adjustment for new remote workers. When a company meets or exceeds its goals, it’s easy to assume employees are doing fine, but that might not always be true. To make long-term success sustainable, prioritizing mental health in the workplace is essential. Ignoring this can make recent successes short-lived.
Let’s look at some reasons why remote workers experience burnout. Burnout is often a sign of poor mental health and a lack of work-life balance. It usually develops quietly, with symptoms that aren’t immediately obvious to others.
One big challenge for remote workers is mentally switching from work mode to home mode every day. Creating a designated workspace at home or working in a co-working space can help. However, many remote workers find it hard to separate work and personal life when they’re done in the same place. This lack of physical separation makes it difficult for 61% of remote workers to avoid working after hours.
While remote workers save on commuting, they might feel disconnected from their colleagues. Instead of in-person meetings, remote teams often collaborate via digital platforms like Slack and Zoom. Even with efficient virtual meetings, feeling isolated is common. Around 61% of remote tech professionals report feeling disconnected from their team in offline communications.
Flexibility can be a welcome change for those used to strict schedules, but it can also lead to longer work hours if time management becomes an issue. Without structure, problems like working late and checking emails late at night can arise. Even with a good routine, the above factors can harm your mental health if you’re not careful.
Here are three ways to build a healthier work relationship:
1. Acknowledge that workaholism isn’t healthy and shouldn’t be glorified. If you work 50+ hour weeks, even in a job you love, burnout is inevitable. It’s important to recognize that consistently overworking is unsustainable and harmful to your mental health.
2. Overworking occasionally might happen, especially during unexpected crises, but it shouldn’t be the norm. It’s crucial to regularly check in with yourself to ensure your mental health isn’t being neglected. Ask yourself if you feel connected with your team, valued as an employee, and if your workload is reasonable. Address issues head-on with your team and managers instead of letting them fester.
3. If regular self-check-ins aren’t enough and you feel chronically overwhelmed, consider seeking help from a professional. Many companies offer employee assistance programs and health benefits that cover therapy costs. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from a therapist, co-worker, adviser, or friend.
By prioritizing your mental health as a remote worker, you can consistently deliver high-quality work without sacrificing your personal time.