You’re a case manager working remotely. How can you keep work from taking over your life?

2 Create a workspace

Another way to separate your work and your personal life is to create a dedicated workspace in your home. This could be a spare room, a corner of your living room, or even a closet. The important thing is that you have a comfortable, quiet, and organized space where you can focus on your work tasks and avoid distractions. Make sure you have the equipment, tools, and resources you need to perform your job effectively, such as a computer, phone, internet connection, files, and documents. You should also set some ground rules with your family, roommates, or pets, and let them know when you are working and when you are not.

3 Take breaks

Working remotely can sometimes make you feel isolated, overwhelmed, or burned out. That's why it's essential to take regular breaks throughout your workday, and give yourself some time to relax, recharge, and reconnect. You can use your breaks to stretch, exercise, meditate, snack, or chat with a friend. You can also schedule some social interactions with your clients, colleagues, or supervisors, such as virtual coffee breaks, check-ins, or feedback sessions. Taking breaks can help you improve your mood, productivity, and creativity, as well as prevent stress and fatigue.

4 Prioritize your tasks

As a case manager working remotely, you may have to juggle multiple tasks, projects, and deadlines, as well as deal with unexpected issues or emergencies. To manage your workload effectively, you need to prioritize your tasks according to their urgency and importance. You can use a to-do list, a calendar, or a project management tool to plan your workday and track your progress. You should also set realistic and attainable goals, and focus on the most critical tasks first. You can also delegate or outsource some tasks, if possible, and ask for help or support when you need it.

5 Communicate clearly

Communication is key to successful case management, especially when you are working remotely. You need to communicate clearly and frequently with your clients, colleagues, and supervisors, and keep them updated on your work status, achievements, and challenges. You should also use the appropriate communication channels and tools for different purposes and situations, such as email, phone, video call, text, or chat. You should also be respectful, professional, and empathetic in your communication, and avoid misunderstandings, conflicts, or miscommunication.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?