According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), the number of UK workers in remote-working has increased by nearly a quarter of a million over a decade. And by 2020, half of the UK is expected to be working remotely.[1]
A portion of this group are likely to be budding entrepreneurs – whose business ventures begin at home. No strangers to risk, they open themselves up to many hazards including the impact of the economic climate, market conditions and capitalization. Another – perhaps less likely – factor those setting up a business from their home should plot on the risk assessment matrix? Their mental health.
This is because, while working from home has many benefits, it can often bring a whole host of mental challenges to the table, too. With insights from entrepreneur Helen Lewis, occupational health specialist Gail Kinman and interior Cathy Phillips, here’s how to assert your dreams, while keeping your mental health intact.
A dedicated home office
When it comes to working from home, the boundaries between work and play can be blurry. Some workers may let their personal life affect their work, while others may find work takes over their home life – both having significant impact on mental health. According to Timothy Golden, an associate professor studying telecommuting, this can “intensify existing work and family conflict rather than alleviate it”.[2] In order to distinguish this divide as much as possible, “people should work from a space that is solely to work.”
Whether you have a swanky home office, a little nook in a neglected corner, or have set up shop in the garage like Steve Jobs – working from home is doable, so long as you’re doing so in a space synonymous with working. Interior Designer Cathy Philips says: “Lots of people who work from home don’t have the luxury of a dedicated room”, going on to emphasis that it’s important to “think about where you can set up an office that won’t get in the way of everyday life”.
When it comes to decor, Cathy highlights the importance of arranging things “in a pleasing and practical way”. Think about your office the way that an FTSE 100 company would, considering practicalities such as storage, filing cabinets, and even colors that evoke productivity like neutral and muted tones. Finally, Cathy says “invest in an angle-able desk lamp to throw light on your work area”, as this will significantly impact your day-to-day mood.
Give yourself a workday routine
One of the many benefits of working from home, according to entrepreneur Helen, is “choosing the hours I work” and “how I manage my day”. But “even the benefits can become challenges”, says Gail, going on to say that, “flexibility can mean that you work longer and harder.” This is where it’s important to be really wary – most people associate overworking with being stuck in the office, but working from home can mean an “always on” mentality that takes a hard-hitting psychological toll.
It’s for this reason that a set routine is essential, giving you focus, and just as importantly – helping you unwind, too. Take inspiration from the traditional working day with some healthy habits. Set an alarm, shower and dress so you look and (more importantly) feel as though you’re set for a day working, and give yourself a dedicated break and a set time to finish work. Make sure you give yourself at least one day off per week, too.
It’s important that you don’t spend all day working to earn a living, only to never live your life. When you finish for the day, close your laptop, put your phone on ‘do not disturb’ and resist the urge to respond to emails. Your mental health relies on you distinguishing the difference between your work hours, and those where you can reset your self for the next day.
Stay social
Often, when consumed with the colossal task of starting a business, people tend to shut themselves off. This can lead to being very isolated, especially when used to having regular interactions with co-workers around us. It is for this reason, Gail suggests, that “people working at home often say they are lonely”. “Remember that human contact is vital. Schedule in lunch meetings with friends, Skype or at least have a phone call.” She highlights the fact “it’s important to do something different to what you do in your job.”
If you really need an excuse to socialize, many entrepreneurs can surely agree – the best ideas come from meeting other people, making connections, and having day-to-day conversations that can lead to inspired creativity.
Be the budding entrepreneur that has it all – work your way to success while doing it with a happy and healthy mind. For the full piece on creating your home office heaven, read the full article here.
[1] https://smallbusiness.co.uk/half-uk-workforce-remotely-2020-2540827/
[2] https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/231093
