Setting boundaries: WFH

Updated: 2 days ago

We're five years into this Covid-accelerated workplace transformation: flexible - hybrid - remote working.

But five years isn't really that long to completely flip the status quo on its head.

We're all still working through how to do this best.

I think we know all the benefits. Flexibility! Autonomy! Skip the commute! Yes, yes, yes!

But, five years in - more and more research is being published that shows blending our work and our homes hasn't been great for us.

We're more engaged in our jobs, but less well. Turns out there is something good about changing locations, being around others and moving.
We're lonely. Gen Z is the loneliest generation. While WFH might help you deep dive into tasks, we're social creatures. We need human connection.

The biggest problem - boundary slippage!

⛓️‍💥Broken boundary: work and home bleed together.

Two suggestions:

Have specific spaces for work. Only work in those spaces, don't work in other places. You can do this even if your workspace is at your kitchen table. Designate one chair that's your work chair. Only sit in it when you're working. All these things help our brains!
Move & change: change your clothes, walk outside or move rooms to signal the start of your evening.

⛓️‍💥Broken boundary: we're always on.

It's all about notifications:

Notify the people you work with about your work times. When can (and can't) they expect a response.
As a team, agree expectations around response times. Emails, Teams messages, calls, etc.
Mute 👏 your 👏 work 👏 notifications at the end of each work day: If they really need you, they'll call you.

⛓️‍💥Broken boundary: your life distractions are all around you.

"WFH is so much less distracting."

Hmm..maybe.

Or maaaaaybe it's just different distractions.

Schedule in breaks! From a neuroscience point of view they're mandatory! You need them, so remove the guilt. But, be diligent about how and when you take them.
Treat your breaks as meetings. They're meetings with yourself. Don't cancel or constantly push them. You wouldnt do that to others.

⛓️‍💥Broken boundary: The screens are hurting us.

⛓️‍💥Broken boundary: We need time with people.

Yes, even you introverts!

See someone in person. Pop into the grocery store, walk around your street, go the the gym, see a friend! Add a little connection to your day, even if it's just you smiling at another human! 🙂
Have at least one meeting. Talk to someone. Connect!