The world is facing a lot of challenges in this COVID-19 pandemic. Some of these challenges emerge from the imposed social distancing and isolation. It has greatly affected what we love to do, where we want to be, and who we want to be with.  Many companies are switching to remote work to protect their employees, and help minimize disruptions and keep operations running as close to normal as possible.

It is natural to feel stressed, frustrated, and fearful during this time. Burnout at the workplace has always been a looming issue that can escalate quickly due to COVID-19 imposed social distancing and isolation.

Working remotely may seem like the dream set-up for some, as it offers the opportunity to creatively work from the comfort of a cozy, familiar environment. However, working remotely may bring a unique set of challenges, especially as an enforced measure. People who aren’t used to the transition from working in the office to working from home may cling to habits and norms that don’t translate to working remotely.

The boundaries between home-life and work-life which enables us to stay healthy and well may become beclouded. People who share a space with other family members may start to feel the need to attend to domestic tasks and work on assignments simultaneously. This blend of home and work life may result in a pattern of overworking and working for longer hours than usual.

In a crisis period like the COVID 19 pandemic, burnout may also emerge from – decision fatigue. Decisions fatigue happens when we are pressured to rapidly grapple with making smart, safe choices for ourselves, our families, and our communities in an unsettlingly new context, and may lead to burnout.

Here are a few ways you can create the conditions for remote work success and help employees transition to working remotely while preventing burnout:

1. Discuss with your partner or housemates about what boundaries you need to put in place to ensure a healthy and productive mindset.
2. Embrace flexible scheduling by allowing employees to adjust their work schedules to their most productive
3. Employees should be able to set boundaries on when they start and end their days
4. Employees should be encouraged to have a designated workspace. It should be a dedicated workspace, be it a home office they already have or the dining room table.
5. Encourage employees to make time for their health and help them prioritize their health and wellness.
6. Learn and practice simple individualized relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, and meditation.
7. When planning your day, schedule eating nutritious meals, regular exercise, and maintain good sleep hygiene. It will make you feel better and stay healthier.

COVID 19 pandemic will reveal the opportunities and challenges of working from home for many that may not have considered it an option. Neurodivergent individuals that loud noise, distraction, and the pressure of appearing in front of colleagues’ impact their performance at work will benefit professionally and mentally from the current situation.

Organizations should find a way to adapt quickly to the physical and mental health needs of their workforce. It is a time of uncertainty and anxiety, and not a time for scrambling to meet goals.  When on a tight schedule, you can alternatively outsource to meet with demand and keep to promises.

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