The number of remote workers rose from around nine million people in 2019 to approximately 27 million in 2021, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.
That number remained steady throughout 2022, and we’re still seeing an increase in people working from home at least part of the time today. The benefits of remote work are many, from not having to commute to having more control over one’s work-life balance.
Remote work has even affected the housing market. For example, many remote workers are migrating to the suburbs to avoid the high cost of living in the city. They’re also on the hunt for a home with an extra room for their office that’s close to restaurants and entertainment to maintain somewhat of a routine for their professional lives. For many, working from home has opened up the opportunity to live where they want, at a lower cost.
But at the same time, working remotely has its challenges. Let’s touch on them below before we dive into tips for achieving a harmonious remote work setting.
What Makes Achieving Work-Life Balance in a Virtual Office So Difficult?
The flexibility of remote work provides an opportunity for work-life balance that isn’t necessarily available when working in-office full-time. However, many workers aren’t able to take advantage of it.
Working at home with young children around can be difficult to manage. Getting up, dressed, and in work mode is hard when you don’t technically have to get out of bed. If there aren’t set work hours, you may find it harder to clock out at night as well.
A lot is affecting your ability to work productively from home. But fortunately, there are things you can do to navigate these difficulties and find harmony in your remote work environment.
Three Tips for Achieving Work-Life Balance Sustainably in a Remote Work Environment
Achieving a work-life balance is a priority for most remote workers. Ensuring the experience is as stress-less and productive as possible is important too. You can get a headstart on each of these and contribute to a healthier planet all in one with the following tips.
Use Energy-Efficient Home Technology
Working remotely is much easier when you’re set up with the appropriate devices and software to streamline your productivity and communication with your team.
Start with optimizing your home internet service. Ensure your router is in an accessible central location. Keep all of your components, like cables and connectors up to date. And keep your network secure by changing your password regularly.
Aside from your internet connection, consider implementing useful energy-efficient home tech:
- Solar panels to power your home;
- Smart plugs for your electrical outlets;
- LED lights to use when working at night;
- Smart power strips to plug in your devices;
- Internet-connected appliances you can control from your phone;
- Smart blinds and window coverings to set the right mood in your office.
Be sure to do your research on what you want to implement to ensure you’re making insightful decisions about what to incorporate in your home.
Incorporate Greenery
Focusing on elements that promote a calm, productive work environment will help you achieve harmony in your remote office. One of the most significant is greenery. Indoor plants can purify the air and make it easier to breathe, thus supporting your comfort.
They’re also beautiful to look at. When we look at beautiful plants, it incites a sense of happiness and serenity in us. Stress dissipates, your mind is clearer, and you can focus on work better.
Displaying plants and nature in a healthy environment is a sustainable practice as well. You’re giving life to plants that may not have otherwise survived. So, incorporate as much greenery as you can care for properly.
Head to a local indoor plant store to get guidance on which plants you should use in your home office and how to properly care for them.
Unplug When You’re Done For the Day
When we say unplug to save energy, we mean it in two ways.
First, literally unplug your devices to save energy in your home. Despite what people think, keeping devices you aren’t using plugged in sucks up energy. So, when you’re done working for the day, unplug your laptop, charger, printer, and any other devices you aren’t using to be a bit more eco-friendly.
Second, you must unplug from work. It’s too hard to avoid completing work tasks throughout the entire day when you keep your laptop next to you, and email and phone notifications on all day long. Overworking yourself like this can lead to burnout and a lack of work-life balance.
Set intentional work hours when working remotely and clock out completely when the end of your shift comes. That way, you can establish boundaries between work and your personal life, and find the harmony you need in your remote office.
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