Finding Balance: Establishing Boundaries for Wellbeing in Remote Work

Do you ever feel like work bleeds into all parts of your life these days? With more people working remotely since the pandemic started, the lines between work and personal time have blurred. Many need help to disconnect in this always-on culture. Without proper boundaries, chronic stress becomes the norm.

In this post, you’ll find key insights on the importance of boundaries for remote employee health and actionable strategies to implement work-life boundaries based on your needs and values.

Studies show that the lack of work boundaries takes a significant toll:

• 54% of remote workers report burnout symptoms, up 13% since pre-pandemic (Enterprise Technology Research, 2021)
• 80%+ struggle to unplug at end of day, leading to longer hours (American Psychological Association, 2022)
• 10+ more work hours per week linked to 50% higher depression rates (Stanford University)

Without separation between work and personal life, individuals sacrifice the necessary recovery time. This leads to chronic stress, fatigue, reduced performance, cynicism, and lack of engagement.

Well-defined boundaries between work and non-work time offer many benefits:

• Prevents overwork and burnout
• Enables rest, recovery, and better sleep
• Supports work-life balance and harmony
• Maximizes focus and productivity during working hours
• Reduces stress and improves mental health

Tips to establish your ideal work-life rhythm:

1. Identify your personal and professional values and needs
2. Determine your ideal daily schedule aligned with those values
3. Set communication expectations through availability times and auto-replies
4. Designate work-free spaces and times at home
5. Practice saying “no” to non-urgent requests

By honoring your unique needs and purpose with healthy work-life boundaries, you can show up as your best self personally and professionally while avoiding burnout.

What's one small step you can take this week to set better work-life boundaries?