The Kelly+Partners Post - US edition - Issue 5 - July 2024
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HEALTHY HABITS FOR
REMOTE WORK
Remote working has shifted the traditional
9 to 5 ofce culture toward 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
toward 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 well-being.
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
well-being. 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, prioritizing 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 well-being 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.
ISSUE 5
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