How do you balance your workload and personal life when working remotely?

Working remotely as a physician can offer many benefits, such as flexibility, convenience, and cost savings. However, it can also pose some challenges, such as managing your workload, maintaining your professional standards, and balancing your personal life. Here are some tips on how to achieve a healthy and productive work-life balance when working remotely.

1 Set a schedule

One of the key aspects of working remotely is setting a schedule that works for you and your patients. You need to establish a routine that allows you to meet your deadlines, communicate with your colleagues, and provide quality care. You also need to respect your own boundaries and avoid overworking or underworking. A schedule can help you create a clear distinction between your work and personal time, and reduce stress and burnout.

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Michael Bass, M.D.

LinkedIn Top Voice | Gastroenterologist I Medical Director @ Oshi Health
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I can't emphasize this enough. In addition to my brick and mortar practice, I work remotely as medical director for a virtual care startup. Scheduling block times for both is crucial. Of course things always pop up, but do your best to have dedicated time where you can focus on your respective work.

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2 Create a workspace

Another important factor of working remotely is creating a workspace that suits your needs and preferences. You need to find a place that is comfortable, quiet, and well-equipped. You need to have a reliable internet connection, a phone, a computer, and any other tools or devices that you use for telemedicine or remote care. You also need to ensure that your workspace is compliant with the privacy and security regulations of your profession. A workspace can help you focus on your work and minimize distractions and interruptions.

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3 Communicate effectively

Working remotely can sometimes make you feel isolated or disconnected from your colleagues, patients, or supervisors. You need to communicate effectively and frequently with them, using various channels and methods. You need to update them on your progress, challenges, or feedback. You also need to listen to their concerns, questions, or suggestions. You need to be respectful, professional, and empathetic in your communication. Communication can help you build trust and rapport, and improve collaboration and coordination.

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4 Take breaks

Working remotely can also affect your physical and mental health, especially if you spend long hours sitting in front of a screen or talking on the phone. You need to take breaks regularly and frequently, and engage in activities that refresh and energize you. You need to stretch your muscles, drink water, eat healthy snacks, or meditate. You also need to take longer breaks, such as lunch breaks or days off, and do something that you enjoy or relaxes you. Breaks can help you prevent fatigue, boredom, or frustration, and boost your mood and performance.

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5 Seek support

Working remotely does not mean that you have to do everything on your own or cope with everything by yourself. You need to seek support from your peers, mentors, or supervisors, who can offer you guidance, advice, or feedback. You also need to seek support from your family, friends, or other sources of social or emotional support, who can offer you comfort, encouragement, or companionship. You also need to seek support from professional or online resources, such as webinars, podcasts, or courses, that can offer you training, education, or development. Support can help you overcome challenges, learn new skills, or grow as a physician.

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6 Review and adjust

Working remotely is not a static or fixed situation. It is a dynamic and evolving one, that requires you to review and adjust your work-life balance periodically. You need to evaluate your goals, priorities, and achievements, and identify what is working well and what needs improvement. You also need to adapt to changing circumstances, such as emergencies, crises, or opportunities, and modify your schedule, workspace, or communication accordingly. Reviewing and adjusting can help you optimize your work-life balance and ensure your satisfaction and success.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Mrigank Shail, MD

Strategic Communications Consultant
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When you finish your work, you need to be able to disengage from your work station mentality. This can be difficult to do as we are both living and working from home. Previously, we would leave the office and travel home. Now, it isn’t required. However, this travel was necessary to mentally disconnect from work. Therefore, I recommend that when you finish your work, log off, turn of the screen, and go outside and take a walk. This can be a great way to disassociate from your work both mentally and physically, shifting your mind to a more relaxed paradigm when you enter the same space.

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How do you balance your workload and personal life when working remotely?

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2

3

4

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1 Set a schedule

2 Create a workspace

3 Communicate effectively

4 Take breaks

5 Seek support

6 Review and adjust

7 Here’s what else to consider

Working with Physicians

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How do you balance your workload and personal life when working remotely?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Set a schedule

2 Create a workspace

3 Communicate effectively

4 Take breaks

5 Seek support

6 Review and adjust

7 Here’s what else to consider

Working with Physicians

Rate this article

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