Future of work

Remote work & work-life balance: how it works!

Jun 11, 2024
11:00 am
Reading time:
7 minutes

Remote work & work-life balance - tips for implementation

Qualified professionals often appreciate the opportunity to work remotely. For many applicants, remote work has become an important criterion when choosing a company in order to improve their own quality of life and work-life balance. But what are the benefits of remote work for work-life balance? How can you achieve a good work-life balance when working from home? And what challenges does remote working pose for work-life balance? Answers to these and other exciting questions on this topic can be found in this blog article on remote work and work-life balance!

Meaning of the terms remote work & work-life balance

Remote work describes the possibility of working outside traditional office premises - i.e. in a home office or on the move. All information on remote work can be found here.

Work-life balance refers to the balance between a person's professional obligations and their private life. It is the equilibrium point at which a person is able to fulfill their professional obligations effectively without compromising their personal time. Good work-life balance measures can lead to higher productivity, better mental health and an overall better quality of life.

Advantages of remote work for the work-life balance

One of the most important benefits of remote work is the flexibility it offers. Employees are free to choose their working hours and location, which can significantly improve their work-life balance. Thanks to this flexibility, employees can work when they are most productive and take breaks when needed. They can also adapt their working hours to their personal needs, such as childcare, sports or hobbies. Childcare, sports or hobbies.

Another advantage of teleworking is the elimination of commuting. Commuting not only takes up a considerable part of the day, but also leads to stress and fatigue. Remote working allows employees to use this time for personal activities, which has a positive impact on their work-life balance.

Remote working also allows employees to shape their working environment according to their own needs. They can set up a workplace that promotes productivity and reduces distractions. This ability to adapt the work situation to personal needs can significantly improve job satisfaction and work-life balance.

Challenges of work-life balance when working remotely

Balancing work and private life when working remotely often poses challenges. The physical distance can lead to difficulties in various areas that must be taken into account.

  • One of the biggest challenges of remote working is the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life. Without a physical separation between the two, it can be difficult to switch off from work.
  • Plus, working from home comes with a number of distractions - from household chores to family members. This can affect productivity and make effective time management difficult.
  • Working from home can also lead to challenges in communication and collaboration. In addition, feelings of isolation and disconnectedness can impact the mental health and overall job satisfaction of the workforce.

Despite these challenges, with the right strategies and mindset, remote working can contribute significantly to a better work-life balance. This requires drawing clear boundaries between work and personal life, managing time effectively and utilizing digital tools for communication and collaboration.

Strategies to improve work-life balance when working remotely

Given the challenges that remote working poses to work-life balance, it is crucial to implement effective strategies that allow for a healthy balance.

  • One of the most important aspects of maintaining work-life balance is effective time management and prioritization of tasks. Remote workers need to differentiate between urgent and important tasks and allocate their time and energy accordingly. The use of task management tools can be helpful in this regard.
  • A regular work schedule can also help to create a sense of routine and normality. It is important to set clear start and end times for the working day as well as breaks to avoid work encroaching on personal time. 
  • Creating a dedicated and comfortable workspace can increase productivity and help maintain separation between work and personal life. This space should be free from distractions and equipped with all the necessary resources. It is also recommended to personalize the workspace to make it conducive to productivity and creativity.

Technology also plays a key role in facilitating remote working and a good work-life balance. Various tools and applications can help with task management, time tracking, communication and collaboration. Whether mood checks, employee surveys or a good strategy for virtual onboarding: Crewting has a lot to offer here!

Communication and collaboration when working remotely?

Communication and collaboration are the backbone of remote work. They play an essential role in being able to work productively, promote a healthy working environment and ensure the successful completion of tasks. Managers must ensure that team members communicate efficiently with each other despite the physical distance. But what exactly needs to be considered?

  • Clear communication is crucial, especially when working remotely, as it helps to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is on the same page. This includes setting clear expectations, providing timely feedback and addressing issues promptly. 
  • Choosing the right communication channels can have a significant impact on how effectively a remote team works together. Different tools serve different purposes. Email can be suitable for formal communication, while instant messaging platforms can be used for quick, informal chats.
  • Virtual collaboration can be made successful by establishing clear protocols and norms for communication. This may include defining the purpose and expected response time for different communication channels or setting rules when video conferencing.
  • It is also important to foster a culture of trust and openness where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. Regular virtual team building activities can help to build relationships and improve collaboration.

Social contacts and a healthy private life in the home office

Working remotely does not necessarily mean working in isolation. Regular social contact, whether personal or professional, can help boost morale, increase productivity and improve the overall work-life balance. How about our Crewting Coffee Breaks - a virtual, friendly coffee break with colleagues, so to speak? 

Self-care is also an important aspect of maintaining a good work-life balance. This includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, sufficient sleep and time for relaxation and leisure activities. Stress management techniques such as mindfulness and meditation can also help to increase mental well-being and productivity. And not just when working from home!

The role of the company in promoting work-life balance

Employers play an important role in promoting the work-life balance of employees, especially when working from home. Managers must support employees in coping with the new challenges of working from home. 

This can be done through financial support or suitable equipment. Examples include ergonomic furniture, technical equipment or even subsidies for internet costs.

In addition, employers can offer flexible working hours, taking into account that all employees have different times when they are most productive. A results-oriented approach, rather than a strict time allowance, can significantly improve the work-life balance of teleworkers.

The company should also set realistic performance expectations and recognize the unique challenges associated with remote work.

In summary, maintaining work-life balance in a remote working model requires a comprehensive approach that includes individual effort, collaboration, effective communication and supportive employers, and for employees, remote working means a high degree of personal responsibility. With the right framework conditions, mobile working represents a great opportunity to increase the quality of life and thus also the work-life balance, as the new working model offers plenty of scope for the various needs of the workforce.