Throughout the year we’ve been celebrating our tenth birthday. What started with our director, Ali, and just one freelance writer has now grown to a remote team of seven permanent employees and a wider team of freelance writers and proofreaders.
We’ve come a long way and have been reflecting recently on just how much we’ve learnt since the business was founded in 2013. Not being ones to shy away from a challenge, we decided to write about 10 topics we’ve learnt 10 things about in 10 years. We’re talking about remote working again today, but this time looking at how to ensure a good work-life balance in an always-on world. For this post, we asked the team for their ideas. Here are their top 10 tips.
1. Walks
“I try to go for a 2-mile(ish) walk every lunchtime. I don’t always make it, but when I do, it breaks up the day and gives my brain a chance to reset.” (Jo E, Account Manager)
2. Dogs
“Get a dog – you won’t get a choice about work-life balance then!” (Jo P, Writer)
3. Holidays
“I like to plan a short holiday or trip away at least once every quarter, so I have something to look forward to.” (Marina, Executive Assistant)
4. Evenings
“I don’t mind doing work in the evening if it means I can have the next day off. There’s nothing more motivating for me than knowing you can have time to yourself during the day.” (Leanne, Writer)
5. Phones
“Don’t have your work emails on your phone. This helps avoid the temptation to check them at all hours of the day.” (Laura, Communications Assistant)
6. Self-discipline
“If you do need your work emails on your phone for practical reasons, make sure you decide when you’re working and when you’re off duty and draw a clear line between them. Flexible, remote working is great, but you do need some self-discipline to get the maximum benefit.” (Ali, Director)
7. Me-time
“I book in actual days off for myself. With two very energetic small children, I also need time for me.” (Leanne, Writer)
8. Present
“Plan and commit to family/partner time and make sure you don’t look at a screen during that time – be fully present in whatever you’re doing.” (Ali, Director)
9. Food
“Stop for breakfast (and maybe second breakfast), lunch and dinner away from work and ideally away from your screen too.” (Harry, Communications Manager)
10. Enjoy!
“Make time for the things you enjoy doing during your day – even if that’s catching up on your favourite TV show – so you don’t just go from work to household jobs and back again.” (Katie, Communications Manager)
To find out more about our team and how we work, head on over to our About Us page where you can also see our latest vacancies.