Working from home for almost 12 months is taking its toll.
WFH burnout is most definitely a thing and we’re feeling pretty disconnected from our colleagues – who we haven’t seen face-to-face for nearly a year.
But new research shows that employees think support from their managers in this third national lockdown is starting to waver.
Out of 1,115 people surveyed:
- 53% believe their manager is less empathetic.
- 63% feel let down by bosses who expect the same productivity level.
- 48% felt leaders hadn’t checked in with them enough.
- 32% weren’t offered enough support for working from home.
- 52% say managers hadn’t noticed signs of burnout.
- 23% thought their own boss was suffering with fatigue and low motivation.
Christine Macdonald, founder of The Hub Events which commissioned the study, said: ‘What’s most worrying here is the suggestion that not only is there a lot of burnout amongst staff at the moment, it’s not being noticed, let alone addressed.
‘This could have huge implications for retention and productivity. It’s therefore vital that managers bring more empathetic practices into their workplaces to counter this.’
This supports recent data which shows that individuals look for ways their employer can assist their physical and emotional health – with wellbeing support and virtual exercise classes topping the list as some of the most favourable ‘work perks.’
How to deal with WFH burnout:
If you’re struggling to work from home at the moment, experts have shared some simple ways to cope.
Create clear boundaries between work and home life
Physical spaces can help create these boundaries, so you have spots to work and then separate places to relax in.
‘Even if your office is now a particular corner of the room or a section of the kitchen table, creating a working space helps distinguish between work and home life,’ explains consultant psychologist Dr Elena Touroni.
Take regular breaks
Therapist Jessica Boston says: ‘Make sure you take regular breaks for your eyes and every 20 minutes you look at a blank wall for 10 seconds.
‘Every now and then get up and go for a long walk, leave behind your phone or any devices that connect you to work or the information and just be at one with your thoughts and pay attention to them.’
Plan the day
As humans we crave structure, so a routine is the best way to help your brain process the day in a stress-free way.
Act like you have a commute
Make sure you take time to unwind after a day of work – just how you would on a commute. This will help you properly switch off for the day and feel less stressed.
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