Cultivating Wellness in a Hybrid Work Environment

A hybrid work set-up has become a norm after the easing of the pandemic restrictions. Many companies in the Philippines, like in most neighboring countries, have adapted to this kind of work arrangement that blends in-office and remote work (at home or anywhere that employees can be productive). The pandemic has changed the traditional work model into a flexible and modern set-up.

Learn to prioritize your health regardless of the location in which you’re working. Here are some tips to support your wellness in a hybrid work environment.

Establish healthy boundaries

Danny, a Data Analyst, works three times a week at the office and two times a week at home. “Mas nakakatipid ako pag work from home kasi di na ako kailangan mag-commute at bumibili ng pagkain. Ang downside nga lang, mas matagal ako nagtratrabaho. Madalas kasi tumatawag pa boss ko para may ipagawa kahit tapos na ang oras ng trabaho.

In the hybrid set-up, a part of your home becomes a workplace. This can make it challenging to unplug because of the tendency to work even beyond office hours and weekends.

Failing to set your boundaries when working from home makes it difficult to detach from work. When this kind of scenario persists, it can cause burnout and affect mental health.

To avoid this, learn to establish healthy boundaries between work and home. Begin by defining what your boundaries are – what you want and what you don’t want. For example, set clear work hours and stick to them. Let your colleagues know that after work is personal/family time so you won’t be taking calls or responding to work emails until the next day.

Setting your boundaries between your personal and professional lives can help provide you with clarity, as well as a sense of protection. It also helps to know the boundaries of your colleagues or team members so you can respect one another’s boundaries.

Take breaks

Lia, a Product Marketing Associate, has a hybrid work arrangement with her employer. She is single and lives alone in a condo. When working from home, she tends to eat late and often forgets to take breaks. With no officemates around, Lia finds herself sitting for long hours in front of her computer, without the usual coffee breaks she normally enjoys at the office.

Skipping breaks can exhaust your mental energy and affect your performance. Taking a short break, whether to stretch, eat snacks, or drink coffee (or all of the above), is good for you because it gives your body and mind time to rest and reset. After a much-needed break, it’s easier to stay focused and concentrate on what you are doing. In the end, you’ll have a more productive day.

Avoid tech exhaustion

Alfred, a Media Planning Associate, spends most of the week working from home. He only goes to the office once or twice a week. He participates in multiple “virtual meetings” a day and often complains of eye strain and weariness.

Although technology has been very helpful in connecting people, especially in business, the constant screen time is putting a toll on most. The strain on the frequent use of video conferencing platforms (Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, etc.) has led to the term, “Zoom fatigue”.

You can avoid tech exhaustion by scheduling time away from technology. Designate some time each day to take a break from screen time. It can be as simple as leaving your desk and walking around your vicinity or eating lunch away from your desk. Always be mindful of your work hours and draw the lines between home and work.

Promote wellness

On top of everything else, always prioritize healthy life practices. This means eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercises, getting enough sleep, and avoiding vices such as smoking and excessive drinking.

Key takeaways

Cultivate a conducive and healthy hybrid work environment by establishing healthy boundaries, taking breaks, avoiding tech exhaustion, and promoting wellness.

Medicare Plus understands the challenges of a hybrid set-up. If you’re managing your own business, safeguard the health of your employees by getting them affordable but quality healthcare.