Working From Home -or- Always Working

Redefining Boundaries for a Healthy Work-Life
The rise of remote and hybrid work offers incredible flexibility, but it can also blur the lines between our professional and personal lives, leading to a feeling of being “always on.” This virtual course, “Working From Home -or- Always Working,” part of NAMI Maine’s The Way Work Should Be initiative, is designed to equip individuals with the strategies and insights needed to thrive in a remote or hybrid work environment. We’ll explore the unique mental health challenges and opportunities presented by working from home, focusing on establishing clear boundaries, managing digital fatigue, and cultivating a sustainable work-life integration. Through engaging video lessons, practical written materials, and interactive short quizzes, participants will learn to identify personal needs, implement effective routines, and communicate boundaries to maintain wellbeing and productivity. Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a certificate, signifying your commitment to fostering a healthier, more balanced approach to remote work. Join us to redefine your workday and ensure working from home truly works for you.

Focus Topics:

• The Remote Work Paradox: Exploring the benefits (flexibility, autonomy) and challenges (isolation, blurred boundaries, “Zoom fatigue”) of working from home.
• Setting Physical and Mental Boundaries: Strategies for creating dedicated workspaces, establishing clear start and end times, and mentally “unplugging” after work hours.
• Combating Digital Overload & Burnout: Recognizing the signs of digital fatigue and burnout specific to remote work; techniques for managing notifications, emails, and virtual meetings.
• Maintaining Connection and Combating Isolation: Proactive strategies for fostering social connections with colleagues, combating loneliness, and building a sense of community while working remotely.
• Ergonomics and Physical Wellbeing at Home: Tips for setting up a physically healthy home workspace to prevent strain and discomfort.
• Effective Communication in a Virtual Environment: Best practices for clear, mindful communication with team members and supervisors to manage expectations and maintain visibility.
• Time Management & Productivity in a Flexible Setting: Techniques for structuring your day, minimizing distractions, and staying focused and productive while working autonomously.
• Self-Care and Mental Health in the Remote Workplace: Prioritizing mental health breaks, stress management techniques, and recognizing when to seek additional support while working from home.
• Aligning with “The Way Work Should Be”: Understanding how healthy remote work practices contribute to NAMI Maine’s vision of supportive and stigma-free work environments for everyone.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is invaluable for any individual working partially or fully remotely, as well as managers leading remote teams. It is particularly beneficial for:

• Remote Employees (Full-time or Hybrid): Across all industries, including tech, marketing, customer service, writing/editing, design, consulting, and more.
• Freelancers and Gig Economy Workers: Individuals managing their own schedules and workspaces from home.
• Managers and Team Leaders of Remote/Hybrid Teams: To better understand the challenges their team members face and learn how to foster a supportive remote work culture.
• HR Professionals: To develop effective policies and support systems for remote employees.
• Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners: Who may be working from home and managing remote teams.
• Educators and Students engaged in Remote Learning/Teaching: Who face similar challenges with boundaries and digital fatigue.
• Anyone transitioning to or considering remote work.