Working remotely has many advantages such as commuting less and having a more flexible schedule. However it can also be challenging if you aren't making your well-being a priority. Here are tips from UCLA's Telecommuting Guidance and Resources to help you take care of yourself while working remotely.
Work-Life Balance
- Sitting at your computer for hours is unhealthy and ultimately detrimental to productivity and work quality. Take periodic breaks to rejuvenate — stretch, walk, eat a snack, etc.
- Depending on the nature of your job and the operational needs of your department, your supervisor might be amenable to a flexible work schedule. For example, working in the morning, going offline in the afternoon to help your child with schoolwork, then resuming work in the evening. Talk to your supervisor to see if a flexible work schedule is possible.
- Practice self-care. Sleep, eat healthy, exercise, relax, etc.
Stay Connected
- Video-chat with friends and colleagues.
- Share your feelings and check in with others, especially individuals who are alone.
Working When Others are at Home
- Establish an understanding of each person’s schedule, routine and needs. Be flexible and collaborative.
- Respect each other’s work environment. Be cognizant of behaviors and habits that can be disturbing.
- Inform others when you will be on a work call.
- Being together all day can be taxing. Plan time apart if necessary. Schedule together time at the end of the day.
Ask for Help
- If telecommuting presents challenges, talk to your supervisor about possible solutions.
- If you are experiencing problems of a nature that may be amenable to assistance by the UCLA Staff & Faculty Counseling Center, contact them at (310) 794-0245. Services are provided on a confidential basis.
Additional Tips
- Stay focused during calls and meetings. Multitasking sends the impression you are not invested in the conversation.
- Consider your privacy while on video calls and make sure others cannot see anything you wish to keep private and that others in your household are not visible in the background.
- Working remotely is different from working in the office. If an online chat or email didn’t feel “quite right,” follow up with that person.
- Consider using vacation time to focus on oneself, family care, and to rejuvenate. Discuss with your supervisor how to best integrate this in to your work commitments.
- The Semel Healthy Campus Initiative Center has more information on maintaining your health and well-being.
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