Many companies have made the permanent shift to working from home after their success with it when it was a requirement during the pandemic. Working from home has several benefits, such as better work-life balance, flexibility with schedule, higher efficiency, and happier employees.
However, working from home also has many challenges. Some of these include difficulty with time management, lack of motivation, and increased distractions. Those increased distractions are increasingly difficult for parents who are working from home.
However, with some planning to establish a routine, considering a hybrid model, having a designated work space, and having a detailed backup plan, creating a productive work-from-home environment is possible while having kids at home.
Establish a routine
Working from home with kids at home can be challenging. However, establishing a routine is an effective strategy for balancing the two. An established routine helps structure the day, reducing your anxiety and creating clear expectations for your kids.
Set times dedicated to specific tasks for you and your kids so you can make the most of your time and avoid feeling overwhelmed while keeping productivity high. Schedule high-importance meetings during nap times so that you know you will have dedicated, consistent time to focus.
A clear routine will let your kids know what to expect and help them feel involved in the day-to-day process, which can prevent them from feeling anxious or acting out when you are on a tight deadline at work. Having an established routine will help you balance your work-from-home responsibilities and create a positive work environment in your home.
Consider a hybrid model
Working from home daily with kids at home can create a stressful environment where you are easily frustrated with your children and work. If you struggle with working from home with your kids at home but still want some flexibility in your day-to-day life, consider a hybrid work model and talk to your employer about the possibility.
A hybrid model allows you to work from home some days and go to the office other days. This will allow you to stack important meetings and tasks in the office. Many offices allow you to book desks or private workspaces through a desk booking app to find a spot in the office that allows for your highest productivity and focus.
Working on a hybrid schedule will still give you the flexibility desired as a working parent while keeping your workload sustainable and productive.
Have a designated workspace
A designated workspace at home is important when working remotely, especially with kids at home. Create an area specifically for your work and set a clear boundary with your children about the access they are allowed to have to it. By having a designated workspace, you can communicate to your children that when you are in that space, you are focused on your work and need limited interruptions.
Having a clear boundary with this will allow you to have a strong balance between work and home. Setting up a desk and personalizing your workspace will add a level of professionalism that you feel in your typical office setting. Consider setting up your work from home space by a window so that you get natural light to increase your mood and enhance the lighting of your video calls.
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Having a backup plan ready for unexpected situations is critical when working from home with your kids at home. Have special, quiet activities on standby to pull out in an emergency. Consider having some brand-new toys or coloring books ready when you have an unplanned meeting with your boss and need to keep your child focused and quiet for a while.
When in doubt, do not hesitate to give some screen time! There are several educational kids shows that will keep them learning, even when you need them in front of the TV so you can focus on your work. When creating a backup plan for the difficult days, it may help to have a nearby family member or babysitter who you can call when you need your kids to be out of the house or so that you can work from another space to get a project done.
Having a backup plan will reduce your stress and give you more control in unexpected situations when working from home with your kids at home.
