Since 2020 brought about an unexpected global shift to working from home, remote and flexible working have become part of everyday life for many organisations and employees.

Whether you work remotely full‑time, part‑time, in a hybrid arrangement, or flexibly, it’s important to ensure you have a suitable setup and routine. Doing so helps protect your work–life balance while supporting both your physical and mental wellbeing.

Create a dedicated workspace

If you have access to a separate room that can be closed off at the end of the working day, this can greatly benefit your work–life balance. Many people don’t have this option, but even creating a clearly defined work area that can be mentally and physically separated from your living space can make a big difference.

• Where possible, avoid working in your bedroom. Research shows that working in the same space where you sleep can disrupt the mental association with rest, contributing to stress and sleep problems.
• If your workspace must be in a bedroom or shared living area, consider ways to conceal it when not in use, such as a curtain or screen.
• Set your workspace up ergonomically: position your screen at eye level and use a chair that offers proper support to prevent neck, shoulder, and back strain.
• Ensure your lighting is adequate and that glare does not cause eye strain or make it difficult to read screens or paperwork.
• Use drawers, storage boxes, filing systems, and shelving to minimise clutter and keep your workspace organised. If you regularly bring files home, establish a clear routine for returning completed work.
• Set boundaries with others in your household by explaining when you need quiet, uninterrupted time during the working day.

Support your physical and mental health

Your home working environment should be quiet, clutter‑free, and suitable from a health and safety perspective. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides a free home workstation checklist, available here:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ck1.htm

Your employer has the same health and safety responsibilities whether you are working from home or in a traditional workplace. Guidance for employers managing the health and safety of home workers can be found here:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/home-working/employer/index.htm

• As you would in the office, take regular 5–10 minute breaks away from your screen. Use these breaks to move around, stretch, and change posture.
• Arrange regular eye tests, particularly if you experience symptoms such as eye strain, headaches, or tired eyes. If your work involves display screen equipment (DSE), your employer may be able to arrange this.
• Reduce isolation by scheduling regular check‑ins with colleagues and managers via phone or video calls.
• Use lunch breaks and time saved from commuting to go for a walk, do light exercise, or catch up with friends and family.
• Monitor your mental wellbeing. Look out for changes in mood, stress levels, communication, or anxiety. Keep your manager informed and contact your GP if concerns arise. Support and advice are also available from Mind (https://www.mind.org.uk) and the NHS (https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/).
• Spend time outdoors whenever possible—regular exposure to green spaces can have a significant positive impact on mental wellbeing.

Establish a healthy routine

Even when working from home, maintaining a clear and consistent routine helps create structure and reinforces boundaries between work and personal life.

• Set clear start and finish times for your working day.
• Use your calendar to show your working days and hours so colleagues know when you are available and when you are not.
• Dress as though you are going into the workplace to help signal the start of the working day.
• Avoid returning to your computer outside of working hours.
• If your computer must remain switched on for updates or IT maintenance, mute notifications and turn off the screen to prevent distractions.
• Take all breaks away from your desk, and don’t be tempted to skip annual leave or work through illness simply because you are at home.

Stay socially connected

Agree on communication methods and contact times with colleagues and managers, attend virtual meetings, and stay engaged with your team. Use breaks and saved commuting time to connect with friends, family, or people outside your household.

Security and technology

When working remotely, your technology must be appropriate, secure, and maintained to the same standards as in the office.

• Ensure you have a secure, reliable broadband connection. Your router should use WPA‑2 or WPA‑3 security.
• Consider other household internet usage—activities such as online gaming or large downloads may affect performance during working hours.
• Computers and mobile devices should generally be provided by your employer. Familiarise yourself with any IT or security policies related to their use.
• Lock your screen whenever you step away from your workstation, just as you would in the office.
• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect company data when working remotely. Your employer should provide and support this.