Since the pandemic, remote work has become the new normal for approximately 36.2 million people (just in the U.S.). Personally, I love working remotely, and I have zero desire to return to the “old normal”. However, while remote work offers flexibility and convenience, it also comes with its own unique safety and health-related risks. This is why learning these work-from-home safety tips is so important. You’re your own safety consultant when you’re working remotely!
Without the structure and staff of a traditional office, it’s easy to overlook important security measures, ergonomic adjustments, and mental health considerations. While we tend to think about posture and cybersecurity when considering work safety, mental health is often on the back burner, as usual.
A study by Gallup found that 58% of U.S. employees now have the option to work at least part of the time, and 35% of remote workers report increased stress due to poor work-life balance. As someone who struggles to set boundaries at work, I can attest to this. So with more people than ever working from home, it’s essential to take the right precautions to stay safe, comfortable, and productive.
Starting with your workspace—fire & electrical safety…
Fire and Electrical: Work from Home Safety Tips
Home offices often lack the same safety precautions as corporate environments, increasing the risk of electrical fires. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that electrical failures cause over 45,000 home fires each year!
This will seem like a nitpicky thing, but even your coffee can be a safety hazard. This isn’t necessarily a fire safety tip, but be careful when chugging your morning coffee. Get yourself an airtight mug, and be aware of what you’re doing when handling hot liquids!
Reduce risks with these fire safety precautions:
- Avoid Overloading Power Outlets: Use surge protectors instead of plugging multiple devices into one outlet.
- Inspect Cords and Plugs Regularly: Frayed or damaged cables can spark fires. Replace them immediately.
- Unplug Devices When Not in Use: This reduces the risk of electrical malfunctions.
- Keep Flammable Materials Away from Electronics: Avoid placing paper, fabrics, or liquids near power sources.
Preventing fires in your remote workspace could save your life and home. But keeping healthy boundaries with your work will save your mind…
Mental Health and Mindful Balance
Remote work can blur the lines between professional and personal life, leading to burnout. In a study done in 2023, over 50% of employed people in the U.S. said they have experienced burnout at work.
In my case, I work a full-time job on top of writing & editing for our website. I tend to be plugged in at least 16 hours a day. I would say I burn out and come close to a breakdown every 2-3 months. It’s harder to separate your work life and personal life when you work from home. Especially if you freelance, as most freelancers are doing work for people who are not in our time zones, and use the same devices for work and personal time.
Also, if you’re not doing anything for work (yes, those things we call breaks), you feel obligated to cook, clean, look after your children or pets, and anything else that needs to be done.
Remote workers have a societal pressure imposed on them due to the rhetoric that remote work is “easy”. So we tend to overcompensate for it by overworking, leading to an inevitable and epic crash. The cold, hard truth is: you could drop dead today and be replaced by noon tomorrow. So look after yourself!
It’s time for a Personal Safety School case study!
Look after your mental health with these tidbits:
- Set Clear Work Hours: Establish a routine and communicate availability to colleagues. Stick to these set hours. Remember: the more you give, the more that will be expected of you!
- Create a Dedicated Workspace & Devices for Work: Working in a designated area can improve focus and productivity. Get an old phone (or better yet— have the company you work for pay for it!). Always keep a divide between your personal and work life. This is not only important for your mental health, but for cybersecurity and YOUR privacy.
- Take Breaks Throughout the Day: Step outside, exercise, or meditate to reduce stress. Even walking to the mailbox or tending to your garden can help improve your mood and decrease stress!
- Stay Connected with Coworkers: Regular virtual check-ins can prevent feelings of isolation.
- Know When to Log Off: Avoid answering emails, Slack or Teams messages, or work calls outside of working hours.
Cybersecurity & Remote Work
Cyber threats have increased significantly as more employees work remotely. According to IBM, the average cost of a data breach reached $4.88 million in 2024, with remote work contributing to longer breach detection times. If a data breach were to happen, and it was your fault, you could potentially be liable at worst, and lose your job at best!
Physical Cybersecurity: Work from Home Safety Tips
- Lock Your Office When Not in Use: This prevents unauthorized access to work-related files.
- Use a Privacy Screen: If you work in shared spaces, a privacy screen can prevent prying eyes from seeing confidential information.
- Shred Sensitive Documents: Properly dispose of financial records and confidential paperwork.
- Install Home Security Measures: If possible, use security cameras, motion sensors, and smart locks for added protection.
Software/Hardware Cybersecurity: Work from Home Safety Tips
- Secure Your Wi-Fi Network: Change the default password on your router and enable WPA3 encryption for better security.
- Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network): Encrypt your internet traffic to protect sensitive data from hackers.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access to accounts.
- Keep Software and Antivirus Up to Date: Regular updates fix security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit.
- Beware of Phishing Scams: Hackers often target remote workers with fake emails. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown attachments.
- Use Strong Passwords: A 2023 security report found that 81% of data breaches are due to weak or stolen passwords. Use a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
Lock & Login: VPN Q&A
Q: Which VPNs are the best options for remote workers?
A: We have three great choices, which are all well-recommended by remote workers!
1. NordVPN – Strong Security and Reliable Access
★★★★★ 4.7/5
💰 Price: $12.99 USD/month
🔹 Why it’s great for remote work:
If you’re handling sensitive information or logging into accounts from home, this is one of the safest options out there. NordVPN uses strong encryption and has a large server network, which helps keep your connection private and stable. It’s a strong choice if security is your top priority while working remotely.
2. Surfshark – Unlimited Devices and Budget-Friendly
★★★★☆ 4.5/5
💰 Price: $15.45 USD/month
🔹 Why it’s great for remote work:
Surfshark is a great option if you’re working across multiple devices. You can connect everything at once without paying extra, which is rare. It still offers strong security features, making it a good balance between affordability and protection.
3. ExpressVPN – Fast and User-Friendly
★★★★☆ 4.6/5
💰 Price: $12.95 USD/month
🔹 Why it’s great for remote work:
If speed matters to you, especially for video calls or cloud-based work, ExpressVPN is a great pick. It’s easy to set up and runs smoothly in the background, so you don’t have to think about it. Perfect if you want something reliable without a learning curve.
Cybersecurity is your first line of defense to safeguard your company and hard work. And while that’s important—keeping your body healthy should be a priority…
Ergonomics for Easier, Efficient Workdays
Working from the couch or bed may seem tempting, but poor posture can lead to long-term health issues. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that musculoskeletal disorders account for 33% of all workplace injuries.
Improve your home office setup with these ergonomic tips:
- Invest in a Supportive Chair: Your chair should support your lower back and allow your feet to rest flat on the floor.
- Position Your Monitor at Eye Level: Avoid looking down at your screen, which can strain your neck.
- Use an External Keyboard and Mouse: Keep your arms at a 90-degree angle to reduce wrist strain.
- Take Frequent Breaks: Stand up, stretch, and walk around every 30 to 60 minutes to prevent stiffness.
- Maintain Good Lighting: Poor lighting can cause eye strain. Use a combination of natural and artificial light.
Child & Pets: Work From Home Safety Tips
If you have children or pets at home, distractions and safety hazards can be a challenge. Not to mention, they love to be underfoot and in your lap when you’re working! I have a daughter, step-daughter, and two dogs plus three cats at home, so needless to say, I love them but they’re a bit distracting!
Work from Home Safety Tips: Littles and Critters Edition
- Use Childproofing Measures: Secure furniture, cover electrical outlets, and keep sharp objects out of reach.
- Set Up Safe Play Areas: Designate a space where kids can play while you work.
- Keep Cords and Small Objects Away from Pets: Pets often chew on wires, which can be dangerous.
- Plan Interactive Breaks: Schedule time for play or short walks to give kids and pets attention.
Now for something a little lighthearted to break up the serious stuff. Here’s a YouTube video with some funny moments from remote news publication workers & their furbabies!
Emergency Preparedness: Work from Home Safety Tips
Being prepared for emergencies ensures your safety during unexpected situations. Follow these steps:
- Have an Emergency Kit: Include first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and essential medications.
- Know Your Home’s Fire Escape Plan: Make sure you have clear exit routes in case of emergencies.
- Keep Emergency Contacts Handy: Have numbers for family members, IT support, and emergency services.
- Back Up Important Files Regularly: Store documents securely in the cloud or on an external drive.
We also have a VERY detailed article about preparing for emergencies with a built-in emergency preparedness checklist! These tips will be helpful for any major event that could impact your personal safety. It’s also a great start for anyone who is thinking about prepping.
Safeguard Your Mind With These Work From Home Safety Tips
Working from home offers incredible flexibility, but it also comes with many challenges you may not see until you’re “in it”. Trying these work-from-home safety tips will help you stay safe and improve your workspace.
Remember, the managers and clients we work for are people too, but they are concerned with the bottom line—how much work you can produce. For many big companies, safety comes after profit. And since you’re working from your own home, your safety is your responsibility. This is why you need to be proactive and take your well-being and safety into your own hands!
Do you have any hacks or tips for working remotely? Feel free to share them in the comment section below!
Be aware, and stay safe!
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