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19Jun

Is Telecommuting the Answer to Work-Life Balance?

By | 19 June 2021 |

Telecommuting became the new normal for most people during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. Working from home was the answer to social distancing and lockdown restrictions. Many businesses started using technology to allow for remote working, video conferencing, and online collaboration during that time. But the health benefits of telecommuting could be more than just saying safe during a worldwide health pandemic.

Even before the coronavirus hit our shores in 2020, many companies were adopting work-from-home policies. For working parents, telecommuting could help to solve that all-important question of work-life balance. However, flexible work schedules, home offices, and cutting out the long commute are things most people want.

But does telecommuting or remote working help with work-life balance? This article looks at how telecommuting can affect work and personal life. You’ll also find out what you can do to improve work-life balance.

Does Telecommuting Always Improve Work-Life Balance?

Working from home seems to tick all the boxes when it comes to improved work-life balance. You can ditch the long commute, enjoy flexible working hours, take better care of the kids, and even save money. However, for some people, telecommuting is not the panacea for striking a balance between work and personal life.

One 2020 study found that telecommuting has many challenges. For example, some employees are better suited to working in an office environment than in a make-shift home office. Employees reported that they felt professionally isolated, which negatively impacted their work and personal life.

Also, some telecommuters face increased tension at home when trying to juggle work and childcare. So, it can be more challenging to keep the boundaries separate between professional and personal life.

There’s another challenge that telecommuting brings. A study by the University of Iowa found that employees who can work from home typically work longer hours. On average, telecommuting employees work three hours longer than their office-working counterparts. The result of the study was that many remote workers work longer without an increase in earnings.

How to Improve Work-Life Balance while Telecommuting

There is no doubt that telecommuting has its advantages in the modern workplace. However, it’s crucial to use the necessary tools and self-discipline to boost work-life balance when working from home.

Here are five helpful tips on how to improve work-life balance if you work remotely.

Is Telecommuting the Answer to Work-Life Balance?

1. Stick to a structured work schedule

To safeguard work-life balance while working from home, you need an organized schedule. Sticking to a plan helps limit the distractions that come from working in a relaxed environment. It helps to have a similar work strategy as you would if you were at work.

2. Use a to-do list to increase productivity

Using a to-do list is helpful to be productive in any workplace. However, prioritizing your tasks in a list is crucial if you’re a remote worker. Your list of things “to do” will help keep your focus and ensure greater productivity.

3. Set boundaries to increase work-life balance

Working from home should help boost work-life balance, not muddy the boundaries. So, you need to ensure that there are limits on your workday. Use the features on many collaboration apps to prevent getting notifications when you not at work. For example, you can set Slack to a “do-not-disturb” mode. Or you can have a work schedule on Google calendar that won’t allow new events outside of work hours.

Related reading: How work-life balance can help reclaim your life.

4. Take regular breaks for personal activities

Working at home in solitude can have a negative impact on productivity. You can also begin to feel disconnected from others when spending time in relative isolation. Why not use breaks to run some personal errands? This could be a trip to the local store, some housework, or cooking. The breaks are vital to stay fresh mentally and to prevent you from losing focus on your personal life.

5. Have a dedicated workspace

Let’s face it—there are more distractions at home than in the office. And the kitchen countertop isn’t going to cut it as a desk. So, if possible, designate an area of your home as your office space. Ideally, the area should be separated from other rooms. If you have to combine a room and a workspace, choose the room with the least distractions.

Telecommuting and Work-Life Balance — In Conclusion

Working remotely can have a positive impact on work-life balance. However, it’s crucial to make sure that you set boundaries on your time, take regular breaks, and have a dedicated workspace. That way, you will get the benefits from telecommuting and enjoy more personal time for yourself.