#1 Rule When Working Remote
There is a big problem with remote workers right now; they aren’t taking enough time off and it’s burning them out. CNBC reports that two-thirds of remote workers are experiencing burn out symptoms while working from home. While it might be easy for a worker to assume they don’t need time off, the opposite is true. That’s why the number one rule for remote employees is that they should take time off.
Why Aren’t We Taking Time Off?
Today about half of the American workforce is working from home. We’ve had a lot of changes since the beginning of the year and many people have been forced to work remotely in order to keep their jobs. None of this has been easy, and CNBC reports on the latest trend; remote employees are burning out at a record pace. Despite this, 59% of us are taking less time off than they normally would and 42% that are working from home are not planning to take any time off. This is not a good thing.
Sure, we’ve given up commuting and the stress of getting to an office on time. But juggling work and home life and children stuck at home plus the anxiety of the COVID-19 pandemic, has created a situation where many of us desperately need some time off. But no one wants that kind of target on their backs. According to CNBC, employees are afraid to take time off because they don’t want their employer to think that they’re a bad employee at a time when everyone feels very vulnerable to layoff due to the pandemic.
But the monotony of working at home, taking care of kids at home, and just being at home is getting too many of us. Burnout is on the rise, and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) says, “Many HR professionals across the country are struggling with how to convince employees to take a vacation. They worry that workers’ reluctance to take time off is only adding to the anxiety, stress, and other mental health problems caused by COVID-19 and the recession.”
What is the answer for remote workers that struggle to cope?
Taking Time Off is the Secret to Remote Work
The answer, of course, is to take time off to help stop the burnout caused from the coronavirus. It doesn’t have to be a week’s vacation; even a Friday off could provide workers with an extra day away from work to recharge a bit. Even a short amount of time off can help workers feel refreshed and make them more productive when they return. One study by the American Psychological Association showed that 70% of workers said they felt increased energy and a more positive attitude when they took some vacation time. Another 60% said they felt more productive even after being away for a short time.
While many people will not feel comfortable traveling for a true vacation, going to a nearby park or beach for some socially distanced out-of-the-house fun can give a burnout employee a little spark and enjoyment in their life.
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