The concept of remote work-life balance is not just a buzzword. It’s about learning how to be successful in your personal and professional lives. This is something we all desire. While it has been the subject of much debate over the years, remote work-life balance is a newer challenge. It’s something that everyone wants to address.

The Problem: Misconceptions and Challenges in Remote Work

You may have heard someone tell you that remote work is so simple, that you can wear your pajamas every day.

Many people believe that remote work can be easy and relaxing. You don’t even have to dress for work. Personal tasks can be handled during work hours. And you can even take a break if you so desire.

Remote Work Presents Unique Challenges, Which Can Impact the Work-Life Balance

  • Your workspace and personal space are all in one place. This can lead to “work creep” during your free time.
  • This allows for little separation between personal and professional life. There is no need to commute and plenty of flex time, so the lines between work and personal blur.
  • It is difficult to take breaks and socialize in the workplace. It’s difficult to find natural spaces like the lunchroom to connect with others, so it must be deliberate to take a break.

The Solution: How to Create Remote Work-Life Balance

Remote workers must be conscious of work-life balance. It is not something that will happen by itself.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Make Sure to Take Intentional Breaks

You need to take a break for your brain and body. Although it’s tempting to just get on with the job, a break can help you stay focused and energized.

When there are fewer reasons to break, such as a coffee run with a coworker or a trip to the grocery store for lunch, it is more difficult to take breaks at work from home.

What can you do for an hour when there is no one else around?

Here are some ideas:

  • Take a walk, or do a home workout. You should also include movement in your day. These desk exercises to improve your health are great for inspiration.
  • Plan a lunch break for a friend, colleague, or neighbor.
  • For lunch, try something new. It takes time, but it gives you an opportunity to be creative! 
2. Separate Work and Home

Remote workers have no separation from work and home, physically or mentally. It can be difficult to get away from work, especially if it is in your living room. 

These are some tips to help you get rid of work.

  • Have a designated workspace at home to create physical separation (i.e. A desk or office is better than a kitchen table).
  • Make mental separation by carefully planning your day and turning work “off” at night.
  • Think about flexible workspaces and coworking areas. These are great options for remote workers as they provide you with a physical separation from your work environment. A place where you can get up and go every day or just a few days per week. It can be a huge step in achieving a work-life balance.
3. Establish a Routine

Routines are important as they help you prioritize. You can make a list of what is important to you within a given day.

  • Family mealtimes
  • Exercise routine
  • Social activities
  • Hobbies and pastimes

Look at your list and compare it to your daily routine. You can align your daily routine with your priorities, and make sure you have enough space for the things that are important to you.

4. Talk to Your Bosses and Coworkers

It can be helpful to have a discussion about work-life balance with your boss if you work in a group.

You can ask questions like:

  • What is the company policy regarding working overtime?
  • Will your boss email you or message your off-hours?
  • What is the company culture regarding work-life balance?

These questions will help clarify the expectations of your workplace. Then you can decide if this is the right fit for your life and work balance.

Talk to your colleagues about ways to spice up your meetings. There are many ways to bring some humor to your next Zoom meeting. This will allow you to connect and engage with your colleagues in a casual, fun way. For work-life balance, social connections, and interaction are essential.

Contact Signature Workspace Today

Remote work-life balance is a subject that gets very little attention, but I think it does deserve more. What’s more, it’s something that most remote workers don’t even believe in because they love freedom.  But you know, remote working doesn’t guarantee freedom. Do you know how to make remote work-life balance a habit? That’s when we can offer our services!

We design, build and operate workspaces in business locations so you and your teams can make access to success. Signature Workspace, owned and operated by Cantor Fund Management, offers services and amenities such as private/ traditional/ studio offices, virtual offices, meeting/conference rooms, and more. Locations ranging from offices in Tampa on Dale Mabry and Northdale and one office in Clearwater offer great physical office space amenities. Contact Signature Workspace for more information today and check out our 5-star reviews!