ISSUE 5
Page 5
HEALTHY HABITS FOR
REMOTE WORK
Remote working has shifted the traditional
9 to 5 ofce culture towards a more flexible
and asynchronous model. Instead of being
bound to a specific location and schedule,
some employees now have the freedom to
work when they are most productive, which
can vary from person to person.
With it comes challenges too. Take the
home ofce setup, for instance. Companies
usually splash out on fancy ergonomic gear
to keep their employees comfortable and
healthy. At home, not so much. Many of us
are making do with makeshift setups that
leave us with bad posture, aches and pains.
Moreover, the sedentary lifestyle associated
with reduced outdoor activity poses risks of
metabolic diseases, while diminished social
interactions in the virtual work environment
may contribute to psychosocial health
concerns.
In this article, we explore various tips and
strategies aimed at mitigating the health
and ergonomic risks associated with
working from home.
To ensure optimal remote work,
attention should be directed
towards four key areas
1. CONSISTENT ROUTINE
Maintaining a consistent routine when
working remotely is essential for several
reasons. Firstly, it helps establish boundaries
between work and personal life, preventing
burnout and promoting mental wellbeing.
A routine provides structure and discipline,
enhancing productivity by minimising
distractions and procrastination. Additionally,
consistency fosters accountability, ensuring
tasks are completed efciently and
deadlines are met.
A regular schedule also facilitates
communication and collaboration with
colleagues, as they know when to expect
your availability. Overall, a consistent
routine when working remotely promotes
balance, productivity, and overall success in
both professional and personal spheres.
2. ERGONOMIC WORKSTATION
Creating an ergonomic workstation when
working remotely is crucial for maintaining
physical health, productivity, and overall
wellbeing. An ergonomic setup minimises
the risk of repetitive strain injuries, back
pain, and discomfort associated with
prolonged sitting. Proper ergonomics
promote good posture, reducing the strain
on muscles and joints and preventing
long-term musculoskeletal issues. An
ergonomic workstation also enhances
productivity by reducing fatigue and
increasing comfort, allowing for longer
periods of focused work.
Moreover, prioritising ergonomics
demonstrates a commitment to
employee health and safety, fostering
morale and job satisfaction. Overall,
investing in an ergonomic workstation
when working remotely is essential for
promoting health, productivity, and overall
workplace satisfaction.
3. SOCIAL INTERACTION
Everyone who has worked in an ofce
knows it can be disruptive having people
constantly stopping at your desk and
chatting or saying hello. Humans are tribal
animals, and these interactions at lunch or
around the proverbial water cooler are very
important for our emotional health.
The importance of social interaction when
working remotely cannot be overstated.
Social interaction fosters a sense of
belonging, camaraderie and connection
among remote team members. It helps
combat feelings of isolation and loneliness,
promoting mental wellbeing and reducing
the risk of burnout.
Regular social interactions also facilitate
communication, collaboration, and
teamwork, enhancing productivity and
creativity. Furthermore, social interaction
also allows for the exchange of ideas,
knowledge sharing, and professional
development opportunities, contributing
to individual growth and team cohesion.
Incorporating social interaction into remote
work environments helps build a supportive
and inclusive culture, leading to happier
and more engaged employees.
4. EXERCISE AND MOVEMENT
One of the biggest losses when working
remotely relates to our exercise routine.
When working from an ofce you are, at
the very least, moving to get to and from
work and navigating the ofce space with
colleagues. At home it’s very easy to move
from the bedroom to the ofce and back
again with limited movement throughout
the day, apart from getting something to
eat from the kitchen.
Employees working from home should be
sure to plan regular breaks that include
some form of movement and exercise.
This can be as simple as going for a walk
around the block, doing some meditation/
mindfulness in the backyard or completing
some simple stretches or yoga. As much as
possible these activities should incorporate
time outside, to get some much-needed
sunlight and Vitamin D.