While the pandemic forced many of us to work remotely for the first time, it was a move that was generally viewed positively and it prompted advocates of flexible working to dream of a future where it was far more common. There were concerns about the erosion of one’s work/life balance, however, as documented in a recent paper from Baylor University.
Dealing with interruptions
The researchers worked with around 400 couples to examine how they managed remote working, particularly in terms of striking a balance between personal and professional lives. The key, the authors suggest, is intentionality and flexibility.
They identified a couple of key risks associated with remote working: the blurring of professional and personal lives, and the potential for interruptions from family members.
Unexpected interruptions make it extremely challenging to focus effectively, while a lack of effective boundaries between our personal and professional lives can be an ongoing challenge for people working remotely.
“The simple act of establishing effective breaks during work hours can help people sustain their well-being and job satisfaction without sacrificing productivity. The negative effects of not establishing healthy break habits include increased stress for the employee and their family,” the researchers explain. “If you’re using your breaks wisely, the study suggests that those intentional breaks reduce the damage that interruptions.”
A balanced approach
The researchers believe a good place to start is to ensure that some non-work goals are incorporated into the various breaks you take during the day. This could be as simple as trying to get a household chore done. These activities might seem inconsequential but make a big difference to our productivity, stress, and engagement levels.
It’s also important for employers to understand the important role intentional work breaks play in overall employee happiness and effectiveness.
“A lot of people say, ‘I never take breaks,’ or ‘I don’t take enough breaks,'” the authors continue. “By offering staff the autonomy to plan their own workday that includes breaks without guilt, employers also benefit. Reducing the stress of struggling to maintain a work-life balance will also reduce burnout.”
Leaders who recognize the importance of work versus family time can help employees to develop strategies that allow them to grow and learn while maintaining a healthy balance between work and family.
