7 Working from Home Tips for British Asians

Working from home has become more common in recent years in Britain, with the Covid-19 lockdown highlighting how much work can be done from home.

Many British Asians and others are embracing the flexibility of working from home or in hybrid conditions, where a portion of their workweek is spent in the comfort of their homes.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) data revealed that 16% of working adults reported working from home only.

At the same time, 28% reported both working from home and travelling to work from September 2022 to January 2023.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge that working from home also presents its own set of challenges.

Navigating work demands while balancing family and cultural expectations can be complex for British South Asians.

DESIblitz lists seven practical tips to help Brit-Asians working from home.

Create a Structured Routine

Having a structured routine and managing time is essential. Use tools like Google Calendar or Trello to organise your day.

Building a daily routine helps maintain productivity.

Structure your day to include breaks and boundaries between work and family time. This is essential, especially in South Asian homes where family life and households are often very active.

Setting a schedule allows you to meet work and family commitments without sacrificing productivity.

Mohammed, a British Bangladeshi, has undertaken several jobs where he has worked hybrid or completely at home:

“Routine will save you hassle and stress and make sure you get things done. Plan the workday; otherwise, you won’t get things done effectively.

“Working from home gives great flexibility; if something comes up, depending on the job, you can reschedule things.

“But having a routine puts you in a good headspace and saves stress.”

Research has shown that workers can face higher stress without clear routines. A schedule is key to maintaining a work-life balance.

Set Boundaries between Work and Family Life

In many South Asian households, family plays a central role, often leading to blurred lines between work and home responsibilities.

It’s important to set clear work hours and stick to them.

By doing so, you signal to family members when you are available and when you need focused time.

Communicate these boundaries openly to manage expectations, ensuring family time and work commitments don’t overlap or clash.

Anisa, a British Pakistani, has worked from home for two years and reflected on the challenges she initially faced:

“It was great not having to commute on buses to work, but living with siblings and parents meant having firm rules.”

“The family knows that from nine to five, no one comes into my bedroom or knocks on the door unless there’s an emergency.

“The first month, the amount of times when my mum walked into my room when I was in an online meeting was annoying. Had to set rules. Especially as my back faced the door, so each time she came in, everyone saw.”

Similarly, set boundaries with work. It’s easier to stay logged on when your home is your workplace, but switch off when the working day is over and have downtime.

Designate a Work-Only Space

A designated workspace helps signal to yourself and others that you’re in “work mode”.

Avoid working in communal spaces like the living room or kitchen, as it can lead to distractions and mixing personal life with professional tasks.

However, when working from home, finding a workspace can be challenging. Sonia, a British Pakistani who works as an online tutor at home, stated:

“When I first started working at home, I stayed and worked on my bed, using a false background.

“It was a nightmare, started to associate bed with work and felt trapped.”

“Had to shuffle things around but thankfully made a little work corner in the bedroom.

“That corner’s my workspace. At the end of each shift, a colourful scarf goes over the mini table corner to remove work from my eyesight.”

Although working from home can mean you feel more comfortable with your surroundings, this can be a double-edged sword.

Having a designated space you go to every day for work is vital. It lets the brain know that it’s time to work and allows you to switch off at the end of the day and transition into being off work.

If you’re lucky enough to have an office space, fantastic. If not, work away from your bed if possible.

Manage Expectations with Employers

South Asians are often raised with a strong work ethic, but this can sometimes lead to burnout. It is crucial to set realistic expectations with your employer about workload and availability.

If family or work responsibilities are overwhelming, communicate this with your manager.

Communication is crucial to remote working success and must be done by both the employer and employees.

Remote work is no longer just a perk; it’s a necessity for many.

However, when your home doubles as your workspace, it can lead to difficulty setting boundaries, added career pressure, issues managing workloads, and more. Thus, honesty and managing employer expectations are key.

Zainab, a British Indian who worked as a project manager from home, said:

“One of my bosses thought since I wasn’t commuting, I should start my work day earlier.”

“I had to be firm and say not possible, as before my work day started I had to get kids ready for school and do things. And contractually this had all been discussed when I was hired.

“It can be hard, but you have to take a stand with bosses and managers. They can also try to get you to do things outside what you’re contracted, saying no over the phone or Zoom is easier than in person.

“It can be uncomfortable, but it was definitely better for my mental health in the long run, and it helped other colleagues who were in the same position as me.”

Take Frequent Breaks and be Active

Taking regular breaks to rest the eyes and mind as well as stretch is vital.

Regular breaks can boost productivity and mental well-being.

Take at least a five-minute break every hour to stretch or get some fresh air. Plenty of small exercises can be done seated, and even five minutes of yoga can help.

Sonia told DESIblitz:

“I don’t do exercise, but integrating yoga for five minutes three times a day has been good for my head and body.”

“I set alarms first to remind myself that being stuck in front of the laptop all day, at the office or home working is plain bad.”

According to the British Heart Foundation, regular breaks improve heart health and reduce the risks of sedentary work, which involves not moving your body for long periods.

The health benefits are even more critical for South Asians, who statistically have higher rates of cardiovascular disease.

Indeed, studies have shown that South Asians who live in Western societies have an increased risk of diabetes and an increased risk of heart disease compared to the general population.

Thus, integrating breaks and some form of activity into the day is crucial for good health,

Leverage Community and Support Networks

Working from home can also be isolating and a lonely experience and impact a person’s mental health.

Accordingly, actively maintaining mental health and well-being is vital.

The NHS says: “In and out of work, human interaction matters, so schedule video calls and pick up the phone instead of emailing.

“If you’re struggling with working at home, speak to your colleagues or manager about your concerns.”

When needed seek support from organisations that cater to South Asian communities, like Taraki.

These networks provide culturally sensitive advice and mental health support.

Such groups understand the unique pressures that British South Asians face, such as balancing cultural, family and work expectations.

Also, look on Mind and other mental health support websites to gain advice on how to manage working from home as well as work-related stress, anxiety and more.

Maintain Connections and Live

Working remotely can make you feel isolated, especially if you live alone or those you live with also have busy work schedules.

Take time to relax with loved ones and do what you enjoy, whether at home or out.

Mohammed stressed: “Life’s way too short to just work and work. Easy to get focused on working to buy the house, saving for old age, looking after parents and the rest.

“But we all need to remember we live once.

“I used to do three jobs, cut to two from home and make time for friends and family. I work better having done this too, not burnt out anymore.”

Taking time out for yourself is key to achieving and maintaining work-life balance.

Relaxing and rejuvenating activities are necessary for good mental health and well-being.

Maintaining meaningful social connections is essential to self-care because spending time with loved ones reduces stress.

Socialising can take many forms. It could be a chat with colleagues, a phone call with a friend, or a lazy day with the family.

Overall, working from home requires greater awareness of one’s emotional and mental health and well-being.

By implementing these seven tips, British South Asians can create a balanced, productive work-from-home environment.

Balancing cultural expectations, family responsibilities, and professional life can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to achieve personal and professional success.