Work-life Balance: Protecting Your Wellbeing While Working From Home

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During the pandemic many aspects of life have merged and homes have had to provide not only a safe-haven for individuals and their families, but a functional space to work too. Recent data from premium health insurer Bupa Global’s Executive Wellbeing Index[i], shows that 38 per cent of high-net-worth individuals plan to continue working flexibly from home, and almost one in five will work from their holiday home.

There are some perks to working from home that some of us can enjoy (goodbye commute), but feelings of stress, boredom, anxiety and uncertainty are also completely normal. Indeed, mental health experts advise that the blurring of divisions between work and home life and the impact on wellbeing can be complex.

So, what steps can people take to protect their family space and wellbeing and ensure the ‘home-boardroom’ is productive and fulfilling?

Set a routine and stick to it

For Dr Luke James, Bupa Global’s Medical Director, it’s crucial to create clear boundaries at home. “Without steady schedules, the lines between work and personal time can get blurred and become stressful.

Get up at the same time, eat breakfast and get out of your pyjamas. Try scheduling in your ‘commute time’ and spend it exercising, reading or listening to music before logging in. And, most importantly, when your workday stops, stop working. Shut down, stop checking emails and focus on your home life. And at the end of the day, try to get to bed at your usual time.”

Stay focused on the ‘life-work’ balance you want

For many, life is not going back to ‘business as usual’ anytime soon. Bupa Global’s research found that more than half of board level global executives do not plan to return to the same fast pace of life, and many have spent more time focusing on their wellbeing, passions and hobbies.

“This is important for protecting wellbeing and mental health. We also believe that individuals, families and employers must be committed to talking openly about concerns, and to seeking help early,” says Dr James.

Get help when you need it

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Dr James concludes: “At Bupa Global, we recognise that mental health is just as important as physical health and believe in helping people to feel their best and stay that way too. We know that when a family member is struggling with their mental health, it can impact the whole family – that’s why we offer extensive mental health cover for individuals and their families.”

Your Partner In Health

As a Bupa Global Private Client, your health is our only priority. Giving you confidence when it matters most and helping you to stay at your best, all year round.

Our Ultimate Health Plan is the highest level of cover available from Bupa. From day one, your personal health consultant will manage all aspects of your wellbeing. Beginning with a personal consultation in the comfort of your home, office or virtually to ensure your private patient journey is perfectly tailored to your needs and schedule. From helping you to choose the right consultants across the globe, to booking appointments on your behalf or arranging independent clinical guidance.

To experience more from your health insurance, arrange a personal consultation with our Private Clients team on 0333 455 1522 or visit bupaglobal.com/privateclients

Calls may be recorded. Bupa Global is a trading name of Bupa Insurance Limited and Bupa Insurance Services Limited. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Bupa Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

[i] Bupa Global Executive Wellbeing Index (September 2020). Research conducted among 450 high net worth individuals and senior executives across UK, France, USA, UAE and Egypt.