Are you a remote employee, or do you know someone who’s been working from home since the pandemic began? If your answer is yes, then you’re not alone. The shift to virtual work is here and is expected to grow more in the coming years.
Ladders researchers said that remote job possibilities increased from 4% of all high-paying jobs before the epidemic to 9% at the end of 2020 and more than 15% this year. Marc Cenedella, CEO of Ladders, agreed that the shift in the working arrangement is more significant than most people think.
And when we speak about a transition in our jobs and surroundings, it necessarily impacts our personal lives as well.
The challenge of WFH setup
The “new normal” for many people is working from home (WFH) even if our offices have already reopened. And while others are excited about this new way of working, some find it quite challenging. It’s tough to stay motivated and focused when there are many distractions and things to accomplish in our homes.
As we adjust to this setup, finding a balance between our work responsibilities and home maintenance is crucial.
Productive at work and home
We all have to be productive every day.
However, being productive at work and home may be challenging, but it is not an impossible task.
Here are some tips to help you balance your work and home responsibilities to increase productivity on both fronts:
1. Clean and organize first thing in the morning.
Cleaning and organizing your home before working from home can help minimize distractions. This will also help you start your day with a sense of accomplishment and give you more time to focus on your work responsibilities.
2. Set a schedule and stick to it.
When you’re working from home, it can be easy to get sidetracked by household tasks or personal errands. To avoid this, set a schedule for your work and stick to it as much as possible. This will help you stay focused and productive during your work hours.
3. Take breaks.
Don’t forget to take breaks! It’s essential to take a few minutes to yourself throughout the day to relax and rejuvenate. This will help you avoid burnout and will allow you to be more productive when you return to work.
4. Delegate household tasks.
If possible, delegate household tasks to other members of your family. This will free up your time to focus on your work responsibilities. Explain why it is essential for you to focus on your work and why their help would be appreciated.
5. Invest in professional help
Suppose you’re living alone or with kids, and there’s no one to delegate the tasks. In that case, you might want to consider investing in professional help. This can be a maid service, laundry pickup and delivery services, yard work maintenance, or even grocery delivery express.
These services can help lighten your load while someone else takes care of house tasks.
It all comes down to investing in the appropriate services.
6. Set boundaries with family and friends.
It can be challenging to focus on work when you’re constantly interrupted by family or friends. To avoid this, set boundaries with your loved ones and let them know when you’re working and not disturb you during these times.
7. Invest in your working setup.
Investing in a comfortable and ergonomic working setup can also help increase your productivity. This includes investing in a good chair, desk, and computer. Suppose you can’t afford to buy new furniture. In that case, there are plenty of second-hand stores or online websites where you can find affordable furniture.
Many individuals have made makeshift home offices for the pandemic that will not last or are not medically advised.
It’s also possible that it will contribute to another health condition: back and neck discomfort associated with slouching over a laptop.
8. Stick to your schedule
As much as possible, try to stick to your work schedule as closely as possible so that neither job suffers. This means setting start and end times for your workday and taking regular breaks.
Take breaks when needed but do not procrastinate or waste time.
9. Make time for yourself.
Lastly, don’t forget to make time for yourself. Working from home can be stressful, and finding ways to unwind and relax is essential. Whether taking a bath, reading your favorite book, or going for a walk, find time to do things that make you happy.
Working from home can be a great way to get more work done, but it may be challenging to maintain productivity while working from home. With a little effort and planning, this could be possible. Consider following the tips above to help you balance your work and home responsibilities.