Balancing act: finding meaning and wellbeing in the era of remote work
Since the pandemic, the lines between home and work have become increasingly blurred – but there are ways to maintain our boundaries, explain Andri Georgiadou, Solon Magrizos and Dorothea Roumpi.
As the world continues to embrace remote work, many of us find ourselves grappling with a new reality: the pursuit of meaningful work in the age of virtual offices and blurred boundaries. We’ve all experienced the exhilaration of pouring our hearts into a project that truly matters, only to find ourselves drained, overwhelmed, and questioning whether the quest for purpose is worth the price of our wellbeing.
It’s a paradox that has left many of us scratching our heads. How can something as noble as the pursuit of meaningful work lead us down a path of burnout and exhaustion? The answer, as it turns out, is not quite so simple.
Our recent research explores this perplexing phenomenon, revealing that the relationship between meaningful work and remote work is not as straightforward as we might have hoped. We surveyed 243 full-time remote employees in the United States during the height of the pandemic and discovered a surprising trend: while meaningful work generally enhances work-life balance and reduces job stress, this isn’t the case for everyone.
In fact, for those of us with workaholic tendencies, the pursuit of excessive meaningfulness in our work can lead to a host of negative consequences, from unhealthy job involvement to emotional burnout and a complete erosion of work-life boundaries.
It’s a finding that resonates with many of us who have found ourselves caught in the throes of the ‘always on’ culture of remote work. When your office is just steps away from your bedroom, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of constant connectivity. This blurs the lines between work and personal space and time until they become almost indistinguishable, turning ‘working from home’ into ‘sleeping in the office’.
But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be this way. The key to navigating the paradox of meaningful work in the age of remote work lies in a proactive, intentional approach that prioritises balance, self-care, and a healthy dose of perspective.
So, what can we do to strike the right balance? Here are four strategies to help you harness the power of meaningful work without sacrificing your well-being:
Master the art of boundary-setting
In the world of remote work, boundaries are everything. Take the time to establish clear guidelines for yourself and your team around working hours, response times, and the right to disconnect. By creating a clear delineation between work and personal time, you can protect your mental health and prevent work from seeping into every corner of your life.
Cultivate a culture of self-care
When you’re working from home, it’s easy to neglect the little things that keep you grounded and energised. Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine, whether that means taking regular breaks to stretch and hydrate, scheduling time for exercise and mindfulness, or simply setting aside a few minutes each day to do something that brings you joy.
Redefine meaningful work on your own terms
The pandemic has forced many of us to reevaluate what truly matters in our lives and our work. Take this opportunity to reflect on what drives your sense of purpose and fulfilment, and don’t be afraid to adjust your priorities accordingly. Remember, meaningful work doesn’t have to be grandiose or world-changing; sometimes, the most meaningful contributions are the ones that simply make a difference in the lives of those around us.
Prioritise mental health and support
The pursuit of meaningful work can be challenging, especially for those of us who struggle with workaholism or mental health issues. Make sure you have access to the support and resources you need to thrive, whether that means tapping into employee assistance programs, seeking out mental health benefits, or simply reaching out to a trusted colleague or friend when you need a listening ear.
Navigating the paradox of meaningful work in the age of remote work is a challenging act, one that requires balance, skill, and a willingness to adapt and grow. But by approaching this challenge with intention, self-compassion, and a commitment to your own wellbeing, you can find a way to harness the power of purpose without losing yourself in the process.
At the end of the day, the pursuit of meaningful work is a deeply personal journey: one that looks different for everyone. By staying true to your own values, priorities, and needs, you can craft a path forward that allows you to thrive both personally and professionally – no matter where your office may be.
Dr Andri Georgiadou is associate professor and an expert on inclusion and sustainability at the University of Nottingham; Dr Solon Magrizos is associate professor in marketing at the University of Birmingham, and Dr Dorothea Roumpi is assistant professor of human resource management at Pennsylvania State University’s School of Labor and Employment Relations
Dr Andri Georgiadou 