We say it every year, but where has the time gone? It’s once again December, the perfect time to enjoy the holiday season, get cozy and drink hot chocolate. Honestly, all I want for Christmas is… to not have to respond to emails and jump on quick calls. 

Turns out the festive season may bring more than holiday cheer to employees working from home - it can often spice it up with stress. When juggling home office jobs and personal life, it can all get messy and burnout can appear faster than you can say Santa. Luckily for you, in this article we explore tips and best practices to help you stay balanced, productive and actually enjoy the holidays.

Keep reading and be merry!

What is burnout and what causes it

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental fatigue caused by prolonged stress, often exacerbated in industries where the stakes are high and the demands are relentless. 

A study on The State of Employee Mental Health in 2024 shows that 44% of employees feel burned out from their work, and 30% often feel stressed. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognised burnout as an occupational phenomenon, describing it as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. Symptoms include feelings of energy depletion, increased mental distance from one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy.

Some industries, such as healthcare, finance, and tech, are prone to causing burnout as they are usually related to an environment where long hours and high expectations are the norms. Unfortunately, no industry is immune to burnout. If you are working around the clock, feel pressured by tight deadlines, or if you experience unprecedented levels of stress for one reason or another, sooner or later you’ll start showing signs of burnout - lack of motivation, increased sick days, and a general sense of dissatisfaction.

With the holidays just around the corner, balancing work deadlines with family time becomes even trickier. Recognising what causes burnout in your case is the first step to combating it.

Common remote work burnout triggers

The lines between personal and office space can easily blur if you don’t properly set your home office. This makes it hard to "switch off" and is the reason why a large percentage of remote employees tend to work overtime.

21% of remote workers claim they stay at home too often as they have no reason to leave. The lack of social interaction can affect morale and motivation.

When working from home, it’s easy to feel fear of being judged for not working hard enough. It creates an unhealthy atmosphere of pressure to constantly prove how productive you really are. Some employers may unknowingly set unrealistic expectations, expecting from their team to be available 24/7. This can lead to burnout as workers struggle to balance job demands with personal life.

8 ways to avoid burnout 

Time to take a look at nPloy’s checklist and prevet burnout.

Set boundaries

Create a dedicated workspace in your home and, if possible, separate it from areas designated for relaxation or personal activities. Establish specific work hours and stick to them - this helps maintain a clear distinction between work and personal time. Make sure your colleagues are aware of those hours and don’t feel guilty switching off and not responding to emails after your dedicated work time. 

Set realistic expectations

Be clear about what you can realistically accomplish in a day - this ensures the work you do daily is of the highest quality. Avoid overcommitting and learn to say no when necessary. 

Prioritize your tasks

Use task management tools like Trello, Asana, or even good old paper to-do lists to organize and prioritize your tasks. Start by breaking your workload into smaller, manageable chunks, to reduce feelings of overwhelm and focus on one thing at a time.

Take regular breaks

Step away from your desk regularly to refresh your mind. A 5-minute stretch, a walk, or simply stepping outside for some fresh air can do wonders for your physical and mental health - such activities can boost productivity and improve your focus.

Stay in touch with your colleagues

Stay connected with your team to avoid feeling isolated. Regular check-ins, video calls, or team chats can help you maintain a sense of camaraderie and keep you engaged. Make sure your teammates know when you’re stepping away from work, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you're feeling overwhelmed.

‍Put yourself first

Make self-care a priority. Set aside time for hobbies and activities that nurture your soul - reading, exercising, dancing, or spending time with pets, friends and family. Incorporating these moments into your day will help you maintain a sense of balance and well-being.

Unplug after work hours

Once your workday is over, disconnect from work-related emails and notifications - now comes the time to relax and recharge without the constant buzz of your phone or computer. This helps your brain shift into personal mode, allowing you to rest and enjoy your downtime.

Use your vacation days

Don’t let the flexibility of remote work stop you from taking a break. Request time off, even if it’s just a day here or there, to disconnect from work, especially around the holidays. Your mind, body and loved ones will thank you for it, and you’ll return refreshed and ready to take on new challenges.

How nPloy can help you avoid burnout 

nPloy is equipped with everything needed to support remote workers' mental health and productivity:

Conclusion

The holidays are meant to be a time of joy, not stress. By setting boundaries and leveraging nPloy in your job-search journey, you can avoid burnout and truly enjoy the season.

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