As a tech entrepreneur who built my business before, during and since the pandemic, I’ve seen the shift that every business owner and organisation has seen.
The shift from office working, to remote working, to hybrid working, and now to somewhere in between. So, while organisations still grapple with how best to approach remote working and every organisation takes a different approach to it, there are some common themes that consistently crop up in conversations.
The flexibility around remote working undoubtedly has its advantages, and yet at the same time it has also introduced significant challenges – many of which are quietly eroding productivity, work-life balance, and employee well-being. And it’s these challenges which have led me to starting my new venture, namely, uRoutine. A venture focused on supporting people and organisations and giving them more structure, support, routine and accountability in an increasingly chaotic world.
Remote Working and Its Impact
The pandemic accelerated a move towards remote working that nobody was quite prepared for. While the freedom to work from anywhere was initially celebrated, it soon became clear that the lack of routine was taking its toll. Without the natural structure of the office – think commutes, coffee breaks, and set working hours – many people found themselves working longer hours with fewer boundaries. In fact, while it may not seem like a lot, research from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that the average workday increased by 48.5 minutes post-pandemic. Many would argue, I believe rightly so, that this is leading to higher stress levels and burnout.
The lack of separation between work and home has caused serious issues for employees, even the ones who celebrate remote working. A study by the Royal Society for Public Health revealed that 67% of remote workers felt less connected to their colleagues, while 56% reported increased levels of anxiety and stress. Additionally, many are struggling to prioritise their health and well-being, as work bleeds into personal time. Ultimately, these problems result in a decline in productivity rather than an improvement, despite employees spending more time at their desks.
Where Routine Can Help
So, what’s the answer? Well, let’s take a look at the power of routines. The truth is that human beings thrive on structure. Some may argue that they like flexibility (and perhaps they do when it comes to certain things like weekends and downtime), but structure in the form of a routine is ingrained in most of us from a very young age. Set bedtimes, mealtimes, school timetables, etc. Without clear start and end times, scheduled breaks, and set goals, it’s all too easy to drift into an unhealthy cycle of overwork and inefficiency. Establishing routines is key to reversing this trend.
A structured workday reduces decision fatigue, can foster discipline, and keeps people on track. Research from Gallup shows that employees with a well-defined routine are 25% more productive and report lower stress levels than those working without structure. Routines also create a sense of accountability – regular check-ins, clear deliverables, and scheduled focus time ensure that work gets done efficiently, while at the same time allowing employees to step away and recharge when needed.
So, How Can Businesses Engage with Employee Routines?
Well, while uRoutine’s platform is still in development, there are a few other key things that can already be explored. To make a real impact, businesses should be setting clear expectations around working hours, meeting schedules, and communication norms. These should all be done to ensure that employees don’t fall into an “always-on” culture. Encouraging time management techniques and training can help employees focus while avoiding burnout. Leveraging technology can also help. Technologies that are both advanced and simple and ones that already exist in most workplaces, such as shared calendars, project management tools, and structured workflows, can keep teams aligned and accountable. Most importantly, organisations have got to prioritise employee well-being by encouraging boundaries, designated break times, and mental health support, ensuring that people perform at their best without sacrificing personal time.
Final Thoughts
The future of work is evolving, and businesses that embrace structure will thrive in this new landscape. The reality is, without routine, we risk losing clarity, accountability, and ultimately, efficiency. By integrating well-designed routines into our workdays, we can reclaim control, boost productivity, and ensure that employees feel supported rather than overwhelmed.
That’s exactly why we created uRoutine – to help individuals and businesses navigate this new reality. If we want to build a sustainable future of work, we need to start by bringing structure back into our daily lives.
