5 Ways to Beat Work-from-Home Burnout

​For many workers, their new “normal” routine consists of getting out of bed and logging on to work. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in thousands of employees working from their kitchen tables or living rooms rather than the office.

If you’re working remotely and feeling burned out, you’re not alone. A survey by Monster, an online employment platform, revealed that 69% of remote employees are experiencing burnout.

According to the World Health Organization, you may have burnout if you experience the following symptoms:

• Increased exhaustion or energy depletion
• Decreased engagement at work
• Increased feelings of job-related negativity or cynicism
• Reduced productivity or efficacy

​The negative effects of burnout can extend beyond the workplace and into your home and personal life. Burnout can also increase your risk of getting sick and developing chronic conditions.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your stress and risk of burnout while you work from home. Here are some strategies to try:

1. Create a schedule. When you’re at home, it can be difficult to step away from work when your day is done. This can cause you to work longer hours than normal. As such, set a schedule and only work the hours you normally would if you were in the office.
2. Plan and prioritize. When you’re feeling stressed out, don’t panic. Make a list of the tasks you need to complete, and set realistic deadlines.
3. Focus on what you can control. Stressing out about the pandemic, the news and your household mental load can add to your workplace stress. Take a deep breath and focus on the tasks you can control. 
4. Use available mental health resources. Many employers have expanded their mental health resources to include employee assistance plans, telemental health coverage and discounted or free virtual counseling to help employees cope with the stresses of pandemic life.  
5. Ask for help. Sometimes the best way to overcome your workplace stress is to ask your peers or superiors for help. Also, consult your friends or family for insight on how to reduce your stress.

Implementing healthy coping mechanisms—such as exercising, hanging out with friends or taking time off from work—can also help alleviate your stress. If you feel like you’re burned out, you should talk to your supervisor or manager, as they may be able to help you reduce your job stress or direct you to valuable workplace resources.