A lot has changed three years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Masks, hand sanitizers and social distancing have become the norm, and most of us have forgotten what the inside of an airplane looks like. One of these notable changes has affected our jobs for transform health and wellness. At the beginning of 2020, the traditional concept of the 40-hour work week was completely turned upside down when offices closed and people had to collect the items at their removal in their living rooms to make a rough-and-ready office. Two years later, virtual platforms, unconventional work schedules and the hybrid model of working from the office or from home have redefined the age-old 9 to 5, Monday to Friday model.

As more people embrace the work-from-home model, it is important to understand its pros and cons. While working from home can avoid travel and save time and money, being out of the office can reduce the sense of day-to-day responsibility, which is then amplified by family distractions, leading to longer “working days”.

Delimit a workspace

Now that we are working from home, it is vital to create a separation between home and work. Having a chosen work area in your home is vital. This method not only creates a mental separation between your professional life and your personal life, it also makes it possible to inform the other people of your household that this is where you work and that the rules apply there differently, which would help with fewer distractions, improved focus and greater productivity.

Arrange your workspace

Working from home also emphasizes the importance of ergonomics, mainly due to the lack of proper equipment. Although you may not have wrist rests in your home, you can use a double-folded hand towel to achieve the same effect, helping to reduce the risk of problems associated with the hands, wrists and shoulders. Following ergonomic principles when designing your home office, understanding the risk factors associated with workplace accidents and avoiding them is key to helping maximize productivity while minimizing the risk of injury.

Refuel energy

To be successful in working from home in the long term, it is not enough to have a good home office. Building habits is a great way to stay on track and reduce outside distractions during your work hours. The same goes for establishing a designated work area. Remember to take care of your body by taking appropriate micro-breaks to stretch, as well as eating healthy snacks and meals. Do not forget to take care of your mind by keeping in touch with your colleagues, or simply going for a walk during your break to get some fresh air through psych evaluation near me.

For better or worse, the COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed the way we live. After two years, the vast majority of people understand and embrace these changes. When it comes to working from home, being disciplined in your workday and following ergonomic principles while taking care of yourself can increase productivity at work while helping to maintain your physical and mental well-being and reducing the risk of injury.