Stress during work from home!

 Working from home during the lockdown has caused an increased level of loneliness and mental distress, according to new research into how workers have been affected by the crisis. With ministers still debating how to manage the return to workplaces in the wake of Covid restrictions, a study by the National center for social research found that the biggest increase in mental distress and loneliness during the pandemic were felt by the most isolated group-those working from home and living alone. However, in s finding that surprised researchers, people working from home and living with others also experienced a significant increase in lonliness, not felt by those working outside the home.

 Analysts examined data from interviews carried out with 8,675 people before the pandemic and in May, July and November 2020. They found that people able to work from home have been protected from financial difficulties that can drive poor mental health. When financial circumstances, loneliness and demographic characteristics were controlled for in the research, however, poor people working from home recorded a bigger increase in mental distress.

More of us than of us than ever now work from home and use technology to replace many aspects of work previously done in person, but this cannot fully replicate the working environment for everyone,” said Isabel Taylor, research director at NatCen. “As the government considers current working guidance, individuals, employers and government departments should be aware of the impact working from home is likely having on people’s mental health.”

“The lack of new experiences and face-to-face interactions during the pandemic may be contributing to increased mental distress for home workers who would not class themselves as lonely,” it found. 

• 41% of employees who more often worked from home vs. on-site considered themselves highly stressed, compared to 25% of those who worked only on-site.
• 42% of those who work from home report frequent night waking, while only 29% of office workers reported the same.
• Employees who work from home may experience more of a blur when it comes to work and personal life boundaries, especially with the use of smart devices.
• Work-from-home employees may struggle more with the concept of unplugging and ending their work day compared to those who work in an office setting

Lack of structure 

When working from home you may feel a true lack of structure. You may struggle with getting your day going, officially ending your day and taking time for yourself for lunch and breaks. This can throw off your work-life balance. 

Too many distractions 

When working from home, you may experience distractions and interruptions throughout a day. Some distraction may include; 

• Receiving deliveries 
• Spending time on social media 
• Watching television 
• Caring for pet's 
• Dealing with neighborhood sounds 
• Getting nonwork related calls and texts 
• Household works 
• Kids interruptions etc. 

Tips for managing stress of working at home 

1. Create a routine 
2. Create a dedicated workplace 
3. Reduce distraction 
4. Connect with friends 
5. Reward yourself 
6. Get comfortable saying no 
7. Protect your sleep 
8. Practice self-care 
9. Move around 
10. Change your surroundings 
11. Be compassionate with yourself 
12. Enjoy what you're doing 
13. Don't be lazy 
14. Set work-life boundaries 
15. Track your stressors.  

Fight stress with healthy habits 

1. Slow down 
2. Snooze more 
3. Let worry go 
4. Laugh it up 
5. Get connected 
6. Get organized 
7. Practice giving back 
8. Be active everyday 
9. Give up the bad habits 
10. Lean into things you can change 

                       Thank you