Remote work remains as popular as it is because it comes with a long list of benefits over working in-person. But it’s not perfect. One of the biggest challenges remote workers can face is burnout, which is ironic considering better work-life balance has been one of the biggest benefits — and one of the most attractive features — of remote work. But RemoteWorker wants to spread the word: remote workers deserve time off too!
RemoteWorker is an online jobs board and resource site that specialises in helping hiring managers and businesses connect with job-seeking professionals for remote work positions. It has previously spoken about the remote work experience, particularly when it comes to time off, when it asked UK business owners and managers how they feel about their staff calling in sick.
Productivity among remote workers has become something of a paradoxical subject. It’s been widely proven that staff tend to get the most work done when they work remotely. But at the same time, remote workers can be “too” productive, often working well beyond the time they would if they were working in an office. Many remote workers struggle to unplug completely, answering emails at all hours of the day and feeling as though they must always be available.
“What’s interesting about this situation is that almost all people who work remotely recognize the importance of taking breaks, but that they just can’t seem to bring themselves to embrace it,” says Joseph Boll, RemoteWorker CEO.
Some remote workers can feel pressure to not take time off or establish boundaries for work hours, not because of any pressure from their employers but because they themselves feel “guilty” about taking time off when they already work from home. Others also fear being laid off if a recession hits, so opt to overcompensate by remaining available around the clock. A recent study found that this mentality prevails even when remote workers take vacation, with nearly half of respondents saying they feel uncomfortable unplugging completely from work even if they’re on vacation away from home.
“It’s something of a self-imposed stigma among remote workers, because most managers fully support their remote staff taking breaks as needed,” Boll says. “We hope to spread the word that it’s OK for remote workers to take time off so they can really enjoy the full benefits of working remotely. It’s good for both their own well-being and for their employers when they do.”
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About Remote Worker (UK)
Remote Worker helps to connect the UK workforce with remote or work-from-home jobs in their chosen line of work. We are affiliated with Remote Worker (US), ClickJobs, EcoCareers and Caribbean Employment Services Inc.
