Work From Home. Hooray?
Tech-workers are in the fortunate position to complete 100% of our work, deliver and get paid from the comfort of our homes. Technology has evolved to a point where many of us are already working from home; partially or fully. Employers are receptive to the idea. We were set on a trajectory to become an empowered work-from-home society. Awesome! Then came the COVID-19 lockdowns.
When the COVID-19 lockdowns took effect, it forced us to work from home as much as possible. Our choice made all the difference. The lockdowns denied us social interaction and outdoor recreation. Even if we wanted to get some fresh air and jump back on the computer, we were limited in our options. For some, especially the extroverts among us, the adjustment was harsh and the discomfort was obvious. For others like me, we didn’t think it was that bad. Social distancing sounded like my regular life! “My adjustments won’t be too bad”, I thought. “I’m in my natural environment, after all”. Therein lies a great danger.
Precursors to Burnout
Tech workers are at home which means we are at work
And we aren’t leaving anytime soon! Basic survival needs aside, generally, we love to do work and learn even more tech because our work is inherently rewarding and we want to further our knowledge. This perfect storm results in a greater risk of burnout, now, more than ever.
It’s essential for tech workers to schedule time for non-work activities otherwise our productivity and satisfaction will eventually suffer. Finding the perfect balance is a complex topic and unique to you and your personal situation. You may be getting lots done now but is it sustainable and are you setting the expectation that it is?
Think about this: Vacations are beneficial and most of us take them. What would a vacation look like during a lockdown?
Thankfully, managing time and workload pressures is one choice we CAN make. Our essential workers aren’t so lucky. We have the opportunity to cultivate a non-work life. Seize that opportunity any way you can.
Reduced social interaction is another major risk factor
It is associated with burnout and it is severely affected by our response to the virus. Lack of clarity on expectations and responsibilities contribute to exhaustion and stress levels. Perceived support from peers and managers are important in reducing feelings of detachment and abandonment. Clear and timely communication wards off dysfunctional team dynamics, especially in remote work environments.
Think about this: How has the lockdown affected your communication, including professional and casual chats?
Technical solutions and processes that would help you communicate and receive the communication you need are available. Are you using them?
We MUST work together and take collective efforts to improve our social and living conditions.This “new normal” is a breeding ground for stress, exhaustion, anxiety, reduced social interaction and neglect of self. Even the term “isolation” doesn’t sound copacetic to the social beings we are.
We are not living in a perfect world
And it’s not all doom and gloom. It’s okay to re-evaluate priorities and expectations. In fact, it’s something you should be doing every day. It’s the Protean way!
Individual personalities affect the way we approach situations. This can work in your favor or not. However, the ability to change easily, the ability to adapt frequently, is a personality trait that will prepare you for any situation, including major life changes like the one we are currently experiencing.
Think about this: How resilient are you to changes brought about by the lockdown?
Be aware of your symptoms and habits
Figure out your symptoms and make a checklist so that you and others know what to look for. Look for any changes in your physical, mental or emotional states. It may be best to talk to others for a more objective opinion. Your social network is still important!
Here are a few of my personal red flags:
- boredom, apathy and fatigue (physical and mental)
- weight gain,
- breakouts,
- brain fog and headaches,
- reduced productivity,
- poor habits like smoking, drinking and not sleeping
As soon as I notice any of these symptoms, I take action immediately.
If prolonged physical, mental or emotional changes are identified, it’s time to act!
Habits become difficult to break after 1-2 months and we are in week 3 of the lockdown (at the time of this writing). This means that we are on the verge of solidifying long term behaviors. After that time, bad habits may take months or years to break. The silver lining is that good habits work the same way!
Stop burnout in its tracks
Due to these extraordinary circumstances, we are pushed out of our comfort zone and may feel lost, confused or insecure. That’s understandable. But it is must also manageable:
- Set goals and define a structured plan of action
- Establish a schedule that works for you.
- If you already have a schedule, revise it!
- Work from home the right way.
- Focus!
- Get things done.
You may have a “to do” list, but do you know how to manage a “to learn” list?
This article aims to raise awareness of a hidden danger to remote workers. There are many online resources with valuable tips and strategies but you need to know what works for you. Figure that out, create a plan of action, commit to it and be accountable. Burnout hurts careers and relationships and it can derail your aspirations. But only if you let it.
Take control of your tech-life
Author: Wasim Singh
Wasim is an application developer and user interface specialist who found his true calling when he gave his first lecture. His major achievements involve marketing, application development, process management, automation and optimization of complex processes.
He is currently a Professor in Ontario, Canada, a software developer, consultant and coach.
If you have a passion for creating apps, technology or education, send him a message on LinkedIn