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How to Maintain Work-Life Balance in Hybrid and Remote Work

This article explores the benefits and challenges of remote work and how it can help improve work-life balance in remote working.

In recent years, the world has witnessed a significant shift towards remote and hybrid working models. For example, as of October 2024, 41% of UK workers were working remotely at least part of the week, with 28% adopting a hybrid model and 13% working from home full-time. This trend reflects a growing preference for flexible work arrangements that offer numerous benefits to both employees and employers. But have we thought enough about how is our work-life balance in remote working?

Remote and hybrid work come with both advantages and challenges, which companies should consider when structuring their working practices. However, many of the challenges associated with remote work can be addressed with the help of various technologies. This article explores the benefits and challenges of remote work and how it can help improve work-life balance in remote working.

Benefits of Hybrid and Remote Work

Hybrid and remote work models have several positive effects:

✔ More productive employees: Many employees feel they are more productive when working remotely. In 2023, as many as 70% of remote workers reported that remote work made it easier to concentrate, and 65% said it helped them manage stress. 

✔ Better work-life balance: The flexibility of remote work allows employees to better manage their personal and professional lives, leading to increased job satisfaction. 78% of hybrid workers reported that remote work had improved their work-life balance. 

✔ Saves time and money: Remote workers save an average of $42 per day compared to office work. Additionally, the time saved from commuting can be used for recovery activities such as exercise.

Challenges of Hybrid and Remote Work

While flexible work offers many benefits, it also comes with challenges:

  • Lack of physical activity and poor ergonomics: Without a daily commute or movement in the office, physical activity may decrease significantly. Additionally, home workstations may not always be ergonomically suitable, leading to discomfort and increased physical strain.
  • Mental health strain: The blurring of work and personal life boundaries can lead to stress and burnout. It can be harder to disconnect from work in a remote setting, potentially increasing workload stress.
  • Social isolation: With less face-to-face interaction, loneliness may increase, and employees might feel a lack of workplace community. They may also feel they do not receive enough support from their supervisors and colleagues.

How Cuckoo Supports Remote Work

Remote work challenges can be mitigated with the help of tools like Cuckoo. Cuckoo offers practical solutions that enhance employee wellbeing and productivity:

🕒 More physical activity with personalised break reminders: Cuckoo reminds employees to take both active and restorative breaks throughout the day. Regular breaks help maintain focus and support recovery during the workday.

🏃‍♂️ Personalised solutions with diverse break content: Cuckoo features over 1,000 physiotherapist-designed breaks, including physical movements, mindfulness practices, and various activities. The extensive selection ensures that everyone can find a suitable break for any situation.

🎮 More social connections with a gamified platform: In Cuckoo, users earn points for taking breaks and participating in activities, which motivates them to maintain better work habits. Users can collect points, enter prize draws, and participate in company-wide challenges, all while taking breaks together with colleagues. This helps maintain social connections during the workday.

By utilising tools like Cuckoo, organisations can effectively support their remote and hybrid workers, fostering a healthier, more engaged, and more productive work environment.

Work-life Balance in Remote Working Requires Clear Guidelines

Remote and hybrid work are here to stay, and their benefits are undeniable for both employees and employers. Flexibility, improved concentration, and time saved from commuting enhance job satisfaction and can improve work-life balance. However, it is crucial to recognise the challenges of remote work, such as difficulty disconnecting from work, social isolation, and reduced physical activity.

Maintaining work-life balance in remote work requires proactive measures. Employers should support remote employees by setting clear work-hour boundaries, encouraging regular breaks, and ensuring ergonomic workstations. Employees, in turn, should establish routines that help separate work from personal life.

When well-structured, remote work can enhance well-being and enable a better quality of life. By adopting work practices that support both productivity and recovery, both employers and employees can benefit from a more sustainable and balanced work life.

Sources: 

Techround: https://techround.co.uk/business/expert-predictions-for-remote-work-in-2025/
Travelperk. https://www.travelperk.com/uk/blog/working-from-home-statistics/
Standout CV. https://standout-cv.com/stats/remote-working-statistics-uk

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