Tips to avoid the 'always on' trap when flexible working
posted 18 Dec 23
As of 2023, almost 13% of full-time employees work from home, and 28% work a hybrid model. While flexible working can allow for a better work-life balance in many cases with reduced travel time and more time spent at home, in the age of instant connectivity and online access, it can be all too easy for people who work flexibly to fall into the ‘always on’ trap. 
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If you have a flexible working policy, you have likely experienced the pitfalls that come when blurring the lines between work and life at home. It's no secret that the ability to check and respond to emails from your bed or sofa comes with the increased expectation that a flexible worker is always contactable by colleagues, clients, or managers. The added pressure and lack of downtime when flexible working can lead to mental or physical health problems and can also have a detrimental impact on your performance and productivity.Â
To ensure that flexible working works for you, and you strike a healthy work-life balance, read our advice.
Three ways to avoid the 'always on' trap
1. Create a dedicated workspace at homeÂ
Although the prospect of working from anywhere may sound appealing, the reality is if you don’t have a dedicated area when working from home, your entire house will become your workspace - and you will quickly feel overwhelmed! Â
Choose a space away from distractions and noise, with natural light to keep those endorphins high. You’ll want the surrounding area to be as calm as possible, so perhaps choose a room that isn't used as much as the living room or kitchen. Â
2. Set your work hours and stick to them
Flexibility is a key benefit for a hybrid or work from home arrangement, as your employer is more likely to be relaxed about your working hours, unlike a traditional 9-5 workplace. However, sticking to a routine can help boost productivity and prevent you from working all the hours under the sun. Â
Waking up and getting dressed at the same time each day or following the same schedule as you would when you are in the office will enable you to become more disciplined with your working hours. Furthermore, sticking to the same working hours as your colleagues will allow you to switch off and give yourself some deserved downtime. Â
Top tip: If you are part of a remote team, consider suggesting a spreadsheet to document everyones working hours and prevent colleagues contacting you when you are off the clock.Â
3. Establish boundaries from the onset and learn to say 'no'Â
Whether you are new to flexible working or have years of experience, it's crucial to establish clear boundaries, as it's easy for the lines to blur when working from home. If you have previously worked in an office, you will know that you rarely expect people who work in the building to take work home, and the same should apply to you. Ensure that you openly communicate with your manager and colleagues to manage expectations. Â
For other advice around flexible working, check out our article: Tips for working from home. Â
Are you looking for a flexible working arrangement? At Search, we work across 15 distinct specialisms with some of the UK’s leading employers. Our job search feature offers the ability to filter roles by working arrangement, so if you are looking for a hybrid or fully remote option, we can help! Browse our current opportunities. Â
