Is the Work from Anywhere Option Helping or Hurting?
Like so many things in life the answer is: it depends. More companies are hiring remote workers. There’s also a rise in employers who allow staff to work remotely part of the time. That can be one day a week, or even a couple of weeks out of the month depending on your job and responsibilities.
So theoretically you can work from anywhere. Who says it has to be at home or in the same time zone? I recently saw a segment on Today that talked about the idea of work-cations. People who travel to a “vacation-type” location but work when they get there. Not just checking in – we’ll get to that in a minute. They travel with the intention of working full time while away from home.
WFH doesn’t just mean work from home anymore. How about Work From Hawaii? Yes, that’s a thing. Many of us might jump at the chance to spend a few weeks in paradise even if we have to get up and work each day.
Does it help you feel less stressed? That’s not as clear. Obviously being in a beautiful place can help lessen the anxiety around the daily commute and hustle of the office. Some who’ve tried it acknowledge it isn’t to unwind as much as to have a chance to live a full life and embrace new opportunities.
Americans don’t vacation well. Are you part of this group?
- 52% of Americans failed to take all of their vacations days last year
- When we do get away we aren’t really gone – 68% check emails on vacation
- 43% work remotely even when on vacation
Working remotely, even at a gorgeous vacation spot is not a replacement for a real vacation. Creatively, and emotionally humans thrive when allowed the chance to take a true break. Mentally checking out isn’t laziness, it’s healthy.
A study by the American Psychological Association determined that that vacations reduce stress by removing people from the activities and environments that they associate with stress and anxiety.
A Canadian study found that taking vacations helps alleviate job stress. The effects last beyond the duration of the vacation, too. It’s reported that minor aches and pains including headaches were less after a vacation for up to 5 weeks.
In our desire to be productive, we often stop ourselves from the ability to perform at our peak. To be truly productive requires focus. A study of high-level professionals found that those who were required to take time off were significantly more productive overall than those who spent more time working.
When you are doing good work, you are happier. When you’re happier you are better at what you do. When you allow time for rest, relaxation and other pursuits you can focus better when you return to work.
I am self-employed and work from home and that can mean working from different locations. I also take time away from work to keep my cup filled.
It’s not an either or. It’s a balance.
If you feel like all you do is work, you may not be doing your best at work or at home and your emotional and physical well-being may also be paying the price.
Need help planning a way to step away and refresh? I’m here to help.
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