Finding the Perfect Work-Life Balance

Enjoying the Flexibility

In an office environment, it’s not always easy to take time off for your kids’ school play or dentist appointment, but if you work from home you can be more flexible. In many jobs, as long as you get the work done by the deadline, it’s up to you how and when you do it, so you can fit the work in around a schedule that works best for you and your other commitments.

As attitudes towards remote working have changed, there’s been a rise in the number of businesses using virtual offices. A virtual office provides a prestigious trading and advertising address, giving a physical location without all the costs.

You can use your virtual office address on your website, emails, socials and more. It helps businesses to employ remote workers without having to have their own office. But, as most virtual offices have meeting rooms for hire, it also can act as a place to get the remote team together for those all-important team meetings.

Statistics on Remote Working

The remote work trend has steadily risen worldwide since 2015, with an annual increase of 1–3%. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 significantly disrupted the global economy and markets, accelerating the adoption of remote work practices.

In 2020, the percentage of employees that were working remotely was 13%, however, the latest statistics show that by the end of 2023, 28% of employees now work remotely. The rapid rise of remote working has led to much more flexibility for businesses and employees, giving them that much-needed work-life balance to increase productivity and job satisfaction.

Greater Range of Opportunities

Working from home can increase your opportunities. It may not be practical to uproot your family across the country for the perfect job, but if you can work virtually, then you can do that from anywhere! 

There has been a rise in remote jobs across all industries, and this trend looks to continue. The World Economic Forum has projected that by 2030, global digital jobs are estimated to grow by around 25% to over 90 million roles. This shift toward remote work provides access to a broader talent pool for employers and a wider range of job options for workers.

Watch out for time zones though – there’s no point in you being a Virtual Assistant for someone on the other side of the world who is awake when you’re asleep.

Time Blocking

Managing your own time can be a big plus, but it doesn’t work for everyone. Some people are easily distracted in their home environment, and find it challenging to stick to self-imposed deadlines.  

All remote workers need to be efficient with their time. If you know that you only have an hour blocked out to do some work, set the timer, focus, and stick to it. Don’t make the mistake of trying to finish just one more email if your time is up—a crying baby or other distractions won’t help you produce your best work, so it’s better to put your work down and pick it back up again at your next allotted block of time.

Time blocking is a technique that can help you manage your time and be more productive while working remotely. Below are some tips for time blocking:

1. 1. Create a to-do list: Make sure you create a list of all the activities you need to do for the week.
   2. Schedule breaks: Try and plan breaks throughout the day to help you rejuvenate and refocus.
   3. Create time blocks: Assign each task to a time block.
   4. Prioritise tasks: Try and decide which tasks are urgent and which can wait.
   5. Create a comfortable workspace: Set up a dedicated workspace with a comfortable chair, desk, and all the necessary equipment to make it easier.
   6. Block time for review: Set aside time at the beginning and end of the day to review emails and other messages.

Remember Social Interaction

Being a remote worker can sometimes be lonely, even more so if you don’t experience daily human interaction. There’s a lot to be said for the simple conversations you might get on a daily commute or at the office. 

One way to balance this is to make sure that you get out of the house each day, whether that’s a quick trip to the shops or meeting up with friends. Going to a local coffee shop is also a great way to get out of the house and work. They tend to have free WIFI available, making it a great workspace whilst providing the opportunity to interact with others.

With Virtual Headquarters, many of our virtual offices have co-working space available to use. Co-working spaces are excellent for social interaction because they create a vibrant, collaborative environment that encourages community and networking. Co-working can help boost mental health and also provides a new way at growing your business through interaction with others.

Make after-work plans to combat work fatigue

If your living space and workspace are the same, it can feel hard to step away from work at the end of the day, even if you’ve closed your laptop and signed off. Working from makeshift areas like bedrooms or kitchens often overlaps work and personal life, making it harder to maintain balance.

Without a clear reason to log off at a specific time, it’s easy to keep working late into the evening. To achieve a better work-life balance as a remote worker, try making plans for your after-work hours—and stick to them. Whether it’s grabbing drinks with a friend, attending a workout class, or pursuing a hobby, having a commitment at the end of the day encourages you to sign off and transition out of work mode. This small effort can make a big difference in maintaining a healthier balance.

Conclusion

Remote work offers great flexibility and opportunities for professionals seeking a healthier work-life balance. By using techniques like time blocking, creating a dedicated workspace, and incorporating daily social interactions, remote workers can maintain productivity while avoiding isolation.

The rise of virtual offices complements this lifestyle, enabling professionals to achieve a prestigious office presence without the overhead costs of traditional office spaces. As remote work continues to grow, mastering these strategies will help individuals thrive personally and professionally, ensuring a balanced and fulfilling career from anywhere in the world.

How can Virtual HQ help?

Here at Virtual HQ, we have over 140 premium locations to choose from to give your business the boost it needs. Our services are available from £25 per month and we offer a 30-day rolling contract to give you complete flexibility, or a 12-month option at a discount if you prefer. 

If you are unsure on all the ins and outs of virtual offices and simply require more information, visit our FAQs to learn more.