Blogs

The ambiguity of "boundaries" in remote work

The rapid spread of remote work has dramatically changed the way we work. While it has eliminated commute times and allowed us to work at our own pace, it has also brought with it new challenges. One of these is the blurring of the boundaries between work and personal life. As our homes have become offices and our workplaces and living spaces have become integrated, we are finding ourselves unable to escape from work mode, or conversely, work is increasingly encroaching on our personal time.

If this blurred boundary continues, physical and mental fatigue can accumulate, leading to burnout, stress, and even decreased productivity. So, how can you maintain a balance between work and personal life and live a fulfilling life in a remote work environment? In this article, we'll introduce a way of thinking that will help you resolve the "blurred boundary" that remote workers often fall into and achieve a healthier and more productive way of working.

Why are the boundaries becoming blurred? Factors unique to remote work

There are some unique factors that can blur the lines between work and personal life when working remotely, and understanding these can help you take appropriate measures.

• Lack of physical separation: With the elimination of commuting to the office and the workplace and home becoming the same space, it becomes difficult to physically switch between on and off. Even after work is over, work tools are immediately in sight, and attention tends to be drawn back to work.
• Always-on work environment: With computers and smartphones always at hand and connected to the internet, we are always "always-on" with our work. This means that emails and chat notifications are constantly bothering us, even outside of work hours, making it difficult to completely disconnect from work.
• Mixing work and personal time: Working from home means that personal tasks such as housework and childcare may be running at the same time as work, which can make it difficult to focus on work or cut into personal time.
• Difficulty in self-management: In the office, the eyes of others and a set schedule naturally encourage you to switch on and off, but with remote work, you have to manage everything yourself. If you don't consciously switch on and off, you may find yourself procrastinating or, conversely, becoming lazy.

Thinking method 1: Be aware of switching between "work mode" and "private mode"

To clearly define the boundaries between work and personal life, it's important to consciously switch between different modes. Try approaching this from the perspective of your physical environment, behavior, and mental health.

Physical transitions: changing clothes, fixing work locations, utilizing ambient sounds

Simply changing into work clothes, as if you were going to the office, can help you switch your mindset. Also, if possible, clearly separate your work area from your private area. For example, it can be effective to set a rule that you should only work in your study or at a specific desk, and not in the living room. It's also a good idea to make use of ambient sounds, such as playing background music to help you concentrate, or turning off the music when you're done working.

Mental switch: Setting a start and end routine

Incorporating simple routines into your workday can help you switch mental modes. For example, try making coffee, doing some light stretching, and writing out your tasks for the day before starting work. At the end of the day, it's effective to incorporate actions that clearly mark the end of work, such as shutting down your computer, tidying up your desk, and changing out of your work clothes.

By understanding these "switching costs" and acting consciously, you can create a clear distinction between work and personal time and improve the quality of your work and personal life.

Way of thinking 2: Divide by "energy" rather than "time"

We tend to divide things up in terms of "time," but when it comes to remote work, it's also very effective to think of dividing things up in terms of "energy." By taking into account concentration and fatigue, which cannot be measured by time alone, you can work in a healthier and more productive way.

Be aware of your energy levels and schedule your tasks accordingly. For example, in the morning, when you're most focused and energized, tackle high-energy tasks like writing a proposal or solving complex problems. When your focus starts to wane or you start to feel fatigued in the afternoon, switch to routine, low-energy tasks like answering emails or entering data.

It's also important to be aware of signs of fatigue and not push yourself too hard. If you feel even the slightest bit tired, respond flexibly by taking a short break or reprioritizing your tasks. By being aware of your energy, you will be able to perform at a high level comfortably and sustainably.

Thinking method 3: Let go of "perfectionism" and aim for "completionism"

Remote work means you spend a lot of time working alone and in silence, which can make it easy to become a perfectionist. However, striving for perfection too much can mean tasks never get completed, blurring the line between work and personal life. Here, we'll introduce a way of thinking that will help you let go of perfectionism and aim for completionism.

With the mindset of "80 points is OK," prioritize completing the task first. Even if it's not perfect, just getting it into shape will allow you to move on to the next step. For example, if you're creating a document, first complete a draft and then make corrections and additions later. Completing even small tasks will give you a sense of accomplishment and help you maintain your motivation. This accumulation of "completion" will ultimately lead to great results.

Thinking method 4: Consciously go offline with a "digital detox"

Remote work means you spend more time constantly facing digital devices. This can lead to information overload and notifications that can disrupt your concentration. In order to clearly define the boundaries between work and personal life, it is essential to consciously step away from digital devices for a "digital detox."

Set aside time to unplug from devices outside of work hours, such as turning off notifications on your smartphone and shutting down your work PC. On weekends and holidays, we recommend taking time off from digital devices as much as possible and enjoying offline activities. Immersing yourself in non-digital activities, such as reading, walking, cooking, or a hobby, can help refresh your mind and body and give you energy for work.

Thinking method 5: Increase your self-esteem and take care of yourself

When working remotely, it's harder to see how others evaluate you than when working in an office, which can lead to anxiety about whether your work is being properly evaluated. This can lead to a decrease in self-esteem and the tendency to push yourself too hard. In order to effectively draw the line between work and personal life, it's important to raise self-esteem and adopt a mindset that encourages self-care.

Make it a habit to consciously acknowledge even small successes and praise yourself. For example, it's a good idea to record small feelings of accomplishment, such as "I completed all of today's tasks" or "I solved a difficult problem." It's also important to adopt a mindset where you don't feel guilty about taking a rest. Rest is not a sign of laziness, but rather a necessary "investment" to maintain and improve your work performance. Taking care of yourself and maintaining your physical and mental health will ultimately lead to increased work productivity.

Find your own boundaries and enjoy a fulfilling remote life

The boundaries between work and personal life when working remotely may seem vague and difficult at first glance, but by practicing the mindset introduced in this article, you can overcome these challenges and lead a healthier and more fulfilling remote life.

• Be aware of switching between "work mode" and "private mode"
• Divide by "energy" rather than "time"
• Let go of perfectionism and aim for completionism
• Going offline with a "digital detox"
• Increase your self-esteem and take care of yourself

All of these ways of thinking can be put into practice right away. Rather than striving for perfect boundaries, it's important to first find a method that suits you and then be flexible in your adjustments. Why not start incorporating these ways of thinking today to enrich both your work and personal life and realize a remote life that suits you?