The COVID-19 pandemic forever changed work as we know it, and inevitably, how we balance our work and home lives. After experiencing remote, hybrid, and alternate work arrangements, employees now consider flexibility a top priority. As a result, 70% of organizations have implemented new flexible working plans, with 92% saying those plans include part-time remote working. For many employees, a hybrid week of partially on-site and at-home work is now the norm. This means that remote and alternate work arrangements will continue to define the future of where, when, and how we work. So what does this mean for you?
The idea of flexibility sounds appealing, but brings added challenges. Working from home means you have to, well, work from home … which means working where you live. Aside from the obvious distractions (looking at you, Netflix), job flexibility can add stress and create new challenges in drawing lines between your work life and your home life.
It also means that it’s easier than ever to fall into the trap of working outside your normal hours. Without a commute and change of scenery to bookend your day, working from home may mean working more. Having flexibility means that it’s up to you to draw your own boundaries and define your own “work/life balance.”
Finding your work/life balance formula is unique to you. It might mean:
How do you know when your work/life balance needs adjusting? Here are some signs:
If these sound like you, it’s time to do some rebalancing in your life. Step back and evaluate where you can make changes that will have a positive impact on your well-being. This could mean adjusting your work schedule, asking family members or friends to help you out more, or reprioritizing your to-do list to ensure self-care comes toward the top.
Also, take advantage of resources available to help you improve your work/life balance. Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides confidential support for virtually any personal or family issue, and it can also help with everyday needs such as connecting you to child or elder care resources, even dog-walking services.
Sources: