Many employees worldwide made the switch to remote learning in 2020, thanks to the global pandemic. Even as life begins to resemble some normalcy, many will decide to keep working from home.

Global Resources understands that working from home presents unique challenges you wouldn’t face in the office. That is why we have five boundaries you’ll want to set when you’re working from home.

Set a Time to Stop Working

You soon realize how easy it is to work at any point of the day when you’re not at an office. Everything you need for your job is right at your fingertips. Before you realize it, you’ve worked a 12-hour day without taking many breaks.

One of the first boundaries you should set is when your day will end. Once you hit that hour, wrap up your current tasks and call it a night. As tempting as it may be to continue working, no breaks will only lead you to burnout.

Set When You’re Accessible

Do you struggle with your boss sending you work texts right before bed or your email pinging from coworkers early in the morning? A healthy boundary to set is with those you work with and for.

No one should expect you to be available every moment of the day, seven days a week. You do need personal and family time that doesn’t involve work. So, ensure that your boss and coworkers know that you’ll be online and answer messages between your set working hours. Anything sent outside of those hours, unless urgent, will get a response the following day.

Have a Designated Office

There are many reasons why you should have a designated office. One of the top reasons is, so you have a healthy balance between your work and home life. Throughout the day, your office is your workspace with minimal disruptions. When you close the door, it signals to everyone else that you’re working and need privacy.

On the other side, your office also keeps all of your work-related items in one organized and private space. Depending on the type of job you have, you may want to keep the door closed to protect confidential information.

Schedule In Your Breaks

Just like you would do at the office, you still need your coffee and lunch breaks. Just because you work from home, that doesn’t mean your job is any easier or less stressful that doesn’t require a break.

If you struggle with this, set an alarm for morning and afternoon breaks, as well as your lunchtime. That way, you’re less likely to keep working through the hours and will remind you to stand up and walk around for a bit.

Ensure Friends and Family Understand You’re Working

Although the chances of friends and family randomly popping over while you should be working are slim during the pandemic, that may be an issue down the road. It’s easy for others to forget that even though you’re at home during the day, you still have a regular job to do.

If you struggle with unannounced visitors, make it clear that you have working hours in which you’re unavailable for a visit. You can also ask them to text or call first to see if you’re available for a coffee break.

Setting boundaries is a healthy part of finding a work-life balance. It may take some time to adjust to your new boundaries. By sticking with them, though, you may find yourself more productive and happier throughout the week.