We’ve all heard of being overworked before. But how about “hidden overwork?”
It is a new buzzword making waves on the Internet. If the concept is unknown to you, let us tell you all about it -and most importantly, how you can avoid it.
What is Hidden Overwork? How Might It Affect You?
As a brief description, hidden overwork is when an employee completes tasks to get ahead at work.
(Yes, it’s still very possible to overwork yourself in a remote job.)
What are these “tasks” specifically?
They can be menial, really. For instance, it can be as seemingly insignificant as reading emails after work hours, being on vacation but still reading job-related news, or even simply checking your work communication channels when you’re supposed to be on leave.
When you think about it, these are all just menial tasks. But when you constantly do them, you risk blurring the line between your personal and professional lives.
As a result, you run the risk of burning out. It can also leave you feeling used at work.
This is especially true when you feel like you have to be “on” all the time. Like when a coworker messages you past working hours and you can’t resist replying. That’s when you should realize that you have to stop.
When you are chronically connected to your work, you won’t have time to focus on yourself and other important things like your family and friends.
How to Avoid “Hidden Overwork”
If you feel like you are on the verge of overworking, you can try out these tips.
Stop Glamorizing “Hustle Culture”
Kim Kardashian once said, “It seems like nobody wants to work these days.”
Except that is entirely untrue.
While it may be unknown how going above and beyond became required to get ahead (or even to stay employed in some cases), people worked longer hours during the pandemic.
With many companies now transitioning to a fully remote work environment, the culture of overworking continues to persist.
If you want to avoid burning out, begin by unsubscribing to the idea of “hustle culture.”
Remember, you don’t have to work five to six jobs to earn a six-figure salary at the cost of your health.
Often, doing something you truly enjoy (and getting paid properly for it) is ultimately more fulfilling than being stuck at a high-paying job that could shorten your lifespan in the end.
Not Every Task or Responsibility Helps Your Career Progress
Don’t buy into the idea that you have to do everything at work.
Because, one, it’s impossible. Two, not every task is beneficial to your career growth.
Thus, it’s best to pick and choose.
Of course, this is not to say that you can’t extend your help to your coworkers. It is simply a reminder that taking on too much leads to overworking. And that’s counterproductive.
Reflect On What Matters Most To You
Evaluate your current work style. Figure out the factors that contribute to overworking tendencies.
Is it because of the lack of manpower? Or does your boss like to pile on work?
Afterwards, reflect on your priorities. Are you working too hard to prove yourself or to impress others? Is it helping you reach your goals?
If your answer to most of these questions is no, then it’s time to make a few changes.
Create Positive Changes to Your Work Lifestyle
Changes to your work routine don’t have to happen overnight. Start small.
It could be that you are overworking yourself because there’s too much on your plate. If that’s the case, learn to delegate tasks to your co-workers.
If it’s your boss constantly throwing tasks your way, you could learn how to set better boundaries and enforce these gently yet firmly.
You can also practice saying “no” more if it means you get to prioritize yourself and manage your time better.
Set Better Boundaries Between Your Personal Life and Work
Like I said earlier, strengthen the boundaries between your personal time and work life.
Make plans for hobbies and things you enjoy doing. Doing so will encourage you to stop working at a certain hour and actually have a life outside of work.
Prevent Hidden Overwork
Implementing positive changes in your life can take time. However, it is still worth trying.
Remember, you only get to have one body and one mind. Don’t abuse them by taking on more than you can handle.
On that note, if you are looking for a remote online job that values work-life balance, then check out Remote Staff’s job listings.
Remote Staff is a pioneer in the remote staff industry. The company has been in business for over 15 years now. Remote Staff deeply values helping its Filipino remote workers to achieve better work-life balance and to spend more quality time with their families – and you can rest assured that our job openings will be conducive to such.
If you want to know more, register today!
