Remote work burnout is real. If you’re suffering from it, you’re not alone. Many remote workers have experienced burnout at some point since the pandemic began.
The good news? There are things you can do to combat remote work burnout. Here are 11 ideas to help you get started.
1. Take breaks
Taking regular breaks is important for maintaining productivity and focus. This is true for any job, but it’s especially important when you’re working remotely.
Remote work can make it hard to switch off and take breaks. You might be tempted to work through your lunch break or eat at your desk. This is a surefire way to burn out.
Instead, take regular breaks throughout the day. Get up from your desk, stretch your legs, and take your eyes off the screen. Even a short break can help to clear your mind and reduce stress.
2. Go outside
One of the easiest ways to combat burnout is to simply get outside. Taking a walk, eating lunch on a park bench, or even just sitting on your porch for a few minutes can help you feel rejuvenated.
It’s easy to feel cooped up when you’re working from home, and a little bit of fresh air can go a long way to improve your mood. Plus, getting outside often means you’re getting a little bit of exercise, which is another great way to combat burnout.
3. Get dressed
It can be tempting to work in your PJs when you don’t have to leave the house, but getting dressed can help to create a mental separation between your work and personal life. You don’t have to wear a suit or even business casual, but changing into a clean pair of clothes can help you to feel more productive and less like you’re just lounging around the house.
4. Set boundaries
Working from home has a way of making the line between work and personal life blurrier than ever. When your home is your office, it can feel impossible to leave work at the “office” at the end of the day.
To help you avoid overworking, it’s important to set boundaries for when you’ll work and when you won’t, and stick to them as much as possible. This could mean setting specific work hours for yourself, or taking a stand against after-hours emails and communication from your boss or coworkers.
5. Create a dedicated workspace
If you’re working from home, it’s important to have a designated workspace. This will help you create a boundary between your work life and your personal life, and can help you stay focused and productive.
If you don’t have a separate room to use as an office, you can create a dedicated workspace in a corner of your living room or bedroom. You can even use a folding screen to create a visual barrier between your workspace and the rest of your home.
No matter what your workspace looks like, make sure it’s comfortable and well-lit. You should also make sure it’s free from distractions, and that it has everything you need to do your job.
6. Get help with childcare
If you have kids, you know how hard it can be to juggle work and life, and that’s even more true when your home has turned into your office. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it might be time to get help.
Many families have turned to nannies and other in-home childcare providers during the pandemic to help them balance work and home life. Even if you just need someone to watch the kids for a few hours a day, having an extra set of hands can make a big difference.
7. Stay connected
Working from home can be lonely. You don’t have the same opportunities to chat with your coworkers, take a break and go out for lunch, or bond with your team. It’s important to find ways to connect and build relationships with your colleagues, even if it’s not in person.
You can do this by setting up virtual coffee breaks, happy hours, or lunches. You can also use team chat apps like Slack or Microsoft Teams to communicate and stay connected throughout the day.
8. Do something you enjoy
Whether it’s going for a run, cooking a nice meal, or reading a book, make sure to set aside time to do something that you enjoy. Work can easily take over your life when your home is your office, so it’s important to create boundaries and stay connected to your interests.
If you’re not sure what you enjoy doing, now is the perfect time to explore. Sign up for a class, try a new hobby, or just take a few hours to yourself to relax and recharge. It’s important to make time for the things that make you happy.
9. Practice self-care
Self-care is a popular concept, but it’s not just about taking bubble baths and getting massages. It’s about taking care of yourself in a holistic way that includes your mental, emotional, and physical health.
One of the best ways to combat remote work burnout is to develop a self-care routine that works for you. This could include setting boundaries with your work, taking regular breaks, and finding ways to relax and unwind outside of work hours.
It’s also important to take care of your physical health. Make sure you’re eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. This will help you feel better overall and give you the energy you need to tackle your work.
10. Communicate with your employer
If you’re feeling burned out, it’s important to communicate with your employer. They may not be aware that you’re struggling, and they may be able to offer some support.
If you’re comfortable doing so, you might want to schedule a one-on-one meeting with your manager to discuss your concerns. If you’re not comfortable discussing it in person, you could send them an email or a message via your company’s communication platform (e.g., an AT&T mail account).
11. Take time off
Finally, if you’re still feeling burnt out, it might be time to take a break. One of the biggest benefits of remote work is that you can do it from anywhere. This means you can take a vacation or a day off without having to worry about traveling to the office.
If you have paid time off, use it to take a long weekend or a week off to recharge. If you don’t have PTO, try to take a day off here and there to give yourself a break. You can also take a mental health day if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Taking time off is one of the best ways to avoid burnout and keep your mental health in check. Don’t be afraid to use your time off, and make sure you unplug from work while you’re away.
12. Reward your employees
Recognizing and rewarding your remote employees for their hard work is a powerful way to combat burnout. Feeling appreciated boosts morale, motivation, and overall job satisfaction—key factors in preventing burnout.
Employee rewards don’t have to be complicated or expensive. Even simple gestures like shout-outs during team meetings, gift cards, or bonuses can make a big difference. Consider setting up a formal employee recognition or referral program that incentivizes your team to engage and contribute positively.
Tools like ReferralCandy, though often used for customer referrals, can be easily adapted to build your own employee referral and rewards program. This lets you automate rewards, track referrals, and maintain engagement—all helping your remote team feel valued and connected.
The bottom line
Remote work burnout isn’t a joke, and it doesn’t just go away on its own. If you’re feeling the effects of burnout, it’s time to take proactive steps to address it.
Whether you’re a business owner or manager, or you’re simply someone who’s feeling overwhelmed with remote work, the tips in this article can help you get back on track. Remember, it’s okay to take a break and take care of yourself. In fact, it’s essential.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many employees to work from home, and the transition has been challenging for some. However, by taking the right steps, you can make the most of remote work and avoid burnout.
