The Comprehensive Guide To Practicing Self-Care As A Hybrid Employee
Although many employees prefer hybrid work to fully in-person, hybrid workers are just as susceptible to burnout as their fully in-office peers. Here are some tips on making self-care a priority, no matter where you’re working from.
Set boundaries
It can be hard to maintain a boundary between work and not work when both are happening in the same place. If you have the space, set up a dedicated office that’s separate from your living and relaxation spaces. Even working from a rarely used dining table as opposed to camping out all day on the sofa can make a big difference. Establishing boundaries between work life and real life helps alleviate burnout and improves mental health so you can sign off in peace at the end of the day.
Take breaks.
Breaks are a healthy and essential part of the workday. In fact, research shows that taking breaks enables our brains to rest and reset our mental energy, reducing stress and enabling us to do our jobs most efficiently. Whether you’re used to working through lunch at home or you’re all too familiar with the in-office desk salad, try using your lunchtime to disconnect from your computer for a little while. Sit outside or meet a friend for lunch at a cafe. If you have time, squeeze in a quick walk around the block. If not, a change of scenery, like moving from one room to another, can tide you over in a pinch.
Try meditation.
If it seems like everyone and their mother is trying to get you into meditation lately, it might be because scientific research shows that meditation can improve both your mental and physical health while doing wonders to reduce anxiety and burnout. We all know the feeling of being overwhelmed at work. Next time you start to feel like the walls are closing in, turn to a mindfulness app like Headspace for a quick meditation session.
Ensure your workplace is properly supporting employee mental health.
Business and HR leaders have the opportunity to make self-care a part of company culture. Show employees that you are dedicated to supporting their self-care with initiatives like minimum days off, scheduled breaks, or company-wide self-care days. Ensure that employees feel supported when they need a break. Encourage team members to use communication tools and away messages to let coworkers know when they are off the clock. Set up refuge spaces around the office so that employees can grab a few minutes for themselves when needed. Our PoppinPod office phone booths allow you to add dedicated self-care spaces to your office without the cost or hassle of construction. They’re the perfect spot for a quick meditation or to check Instagram for a moment in peace.
Get moving.
We all know that being seated all day is detrimental to our health, and yet, the majority of hybrid workers sit in front of a computer for most of the day. If you can, get moving! Making movement a part of your daily routine has been shown to increase both physical and mental health as well as do wonders for combatting burnout. Try squeezing in a workout during a scheduled break. If you’ve got a full day of back-to-backs and don’t have time for a break, try taking a meeting on your phone while you walk around the block. Even a few minutes of exercise can be enough to reset your day.
Stay focused on personal time during personal time…
And focus on work during work hours! Resist the urge to log on early to review emails or messages. That’s what the workday is for. Similarly, log off when it’s time to log off. Remember, you’re not performing at your best if you’re not taking the time to take care of yourself. Stay off the clock until it’s time to log on again.
Use your PTO.
There will come a time when you’re ready for an extended break, and that’s ok. Use your PTO for what it is meant for: resetting and recharging so you can return to work in the right head space. When you take PTO, make sure your colleagues know that you will have little to no availability so you can really enjoy your vacation. They’ll be alright without you for a little while.