Feeling stressed by remote work? It’s probably “Zoom Fatigue”

Remember folks, for every cigarette you smoke, God takes a minute of your life and gives it to Keith Richards. Eating healthily is one thing we should all do, regardless of stress and burnout yet many of us don’t. An often overlooked problem involves stimulants, ranging from your morning coffee to your nightcap. A lot of stressed-out freelancers are hooked on caffeine, alcohol, and over the counter medications. Make sure your work does not get in the way of your social activities. My hubris landed me there, and I hope my experience keeps some of you out.

The same goes for office workers; their co-workers will likely spot symptoms of burnout early on. Make it a priority to check in with your team once a week on a personal level, and if it’s manageable, schedule individual check-ins weekly as well. The importance of these regular check-ins shouldn’t be underestimated, as 89% of human resources leaders agree that ongoing peer feedback and check-ins are key for successful outcomes. Develop ways to make sure every employee feels heard, valued, and connected. Employers can provide support by showing that they care and taking an interest in the well-being of remote employees.

Step Away from the Screen

In the same way, in-office work can cause you fatigue, though working remotely comes with a plethora of flexibility and freedom, it too can cause you much fatigue. Though this is true, it does not refute the effectiveness of remote work. Zoom fatigue, eye strain, and back pain are all symptoms of remote work. 28% of those surveyed felt better health insurance and increase paid time off were the best ways to support them. Employees may feel overwhelmed by their work and forget to take time off or disconnect from their computer at the end of the day. It’s no surprise then that 48% of workers say they lack emotional support at work to help them manage this daunting task.

Even small amounts of low-intensity physical activity have proven to minimize fatigue. Research has shown that the work-from-home trend has led to people working more. Employees are putting https://remotemode.net/ in more hours than they used to, sometimes off the clock. Outside of that block of time, employees have the freedom to work when they choose, as long as they manage their time effectively.

Host or Attend TeamBuilding Events Regularly

When you adopt an “always on” mindset and squeeze in work whenever you have a free minute, you’ll have fewer real breaks “off” to spend with your friends and family. Break reduction could be because people are in their personal spaces, stuck in the middle ground between working and relaxing. They may be wearing comfy clothing instead of their typical professional attire and have easy access to their kitchen for snacks throughout the day. Consider hosting some of your meetings without a video requirement.

For individuals who typically experience anxiety or depression, these symptoms may be exacerbated, or show up for the first time. 45% of US full-time employees were working from home and benefiting from eliminating their commute, reducing the stress of being in the office, and having more time with their families. With the help of a WiFi extender or LTE, you could also bring your phone, tablet, or laptop outside and enjoy fresh air while attending a Zoom meeting or working solo. Sometimes, it is not the screen itself that makes you feel sluggish, but rather feeling stuck indoors.

Why Remote Workers Experience Burnout More Often

Employees in the hybrid world are 1.27 times more likely to struggle to disconnect from work than employees in the on-site world. Employees are struggling to know when and how to switch off at the end of their workday, with 40% of hybrid remote working fatigue or remote employees reporting an increase in the length of their workday in the past 12 months. Employees in the hybrid world are 2.54 times more likely to experience digital distractions than employees in the on-site world.

• However, virtual settings lack that accessible communication.
• A lot of things can help you prevent and overcome burnout, but even more things can make it worse.
• Not only will they be more likely to respond to your candor, but it’ll also strengthen the bond between you and your team.
• It is unavoidable for most remote workers, especially those with children, pets, or partners.

For more tips, check out this guide to making virtual water coolers. For more ideas, here is a list of virtual team activities and online social outings. Here is a list of proven ways to beat work from home fatigue in remote offices. You found our guide on how to beat work from home fatigue in virtual offices. If it is impossible to meet face-to-face with coworkers, do so with family and friends instead. Also, try planning weekly or monthly team-building activities such as playing online games and answering trivia questions.

When your work from home days become a slog, the solution may be to back off instead of doubling down. Finding chances for casual conversations with colleagues can help to decrease stress and build relationships with coworkers. If you are experiencing loneliness, practice striking up casual conversations with your team during lunch breaks or while discussing work. You may attempt this by randomly saying hi or asking them how they are doing.