Setting Boundaries: Ending the Day Well When You Work from Home
The article in includes some good, practical strategies that will “make the end of your workday clear — both to yourself and your coworkers.”
Choose a WFH well-being buddy.
When you’re working remotely, it’s easy to feel disconnected from your core team. Ask someone you get along with to be your buddy while you’re working remotely. You can check in with each other daily and ask that you hold each other accountable to signing off at a specific time.
When you’re feeling lonely, schedule a virtual coffee break with a friend.
Social isolation can have powerful negative effects on your health, but spending time with others – even virtually – helps you stay connected. On days when you’re feeling particularly lonely, plan to end your day with a quick video call with a coworker or friend. There’s no better way to end a long day than catching up with someone you care about.
When you’re nearing the end of your workday, send a message to your team on email or chat.
Maybe it’s a simple “goodnight,” a “thank you” for the hard work, or a last-call for questions before you sign off. Letting your team know you’re done for the day will hold you accountable to your own boundaries and help others respect them. Plus, this simple gesture will help everyone feel connected, almost as if you were saying goodbye as you leave the office.
At the end of every day, take a minute to think about what you accomplished today. If you’re not used to working on your own, it can be more challenging to notice your progress. Use this time to celebrate your small wins. Adding this ritual to the end of your day will act as a signal that it’s also just about time to sign off.
Make a point of logging off from your remote work at the same time you would typically leave the office.
It’s easy to let your workday bleed longer when you don’t have your usual commute home, but it’s important to build in time at night to rest and recharge so you can work sustainably.