With the current pandemic context, working from home has become a reality for more and more people, leading us to deal with a new work environment, a new schedule, a new way of life!
How to maximize your productivity and maintain a good balance between work and family life?
Organize your space. Having a closed office is obviously ideal for working in peace and limiting distractions, but when this is not possible, try to target a quiet room in the house where you will not be disturbed, such as in your bedroom for example. and especially avoid the kitchen. Otherwise, use a screen or a bookcase to create your own little corner and choose a location near a window for light.
Don't stay in pajamas. Unconsciously, our attire would affect our energy levels and productivity. Try to maintain a rhythm of life like when you go to work. Now is not the time to sleep in and stay in your pajamas all day, because your morale will suffer in the long run, it'sinsured.
Give yourself breaks. You used to have dinner with your colleagues at lunchtime or go for a walk in the afternoon? Don't lose your good habits and don't work non-stop from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. without giving yourself breaks. Breaks are proven to improve productivity. Ideally, we are talking about a short break approximately every 90 minutes. During this period, try to devote yourself 100% to your work and wait until your break, for example to leave that load of washing that annoys your mind or to clean the kitchen. During your break, stay away from your desk.
Keep a good balance. Having your office at home would increase the chances of working outside regular working hours such as evenings and weekends. Set yourself limits that you will be comfortable with (and your spouse too!). However, you could also take advantage of the flexibility that working from home gives you and decide that you prefer to work in the evening when the children are in bed to enjoy the morning longer with them. Make the schedule that works for you, your employer and your family.
And when the children are there?
We know that this fall will be special with the covid-19 situation and it will not be uncommon for us to keep our children at home when they are sick. It must be admitted, it is an additional challenge to have to work in the presence of children.
Divide your schedule into one to two hour blocksmaximum consecutive shifts so you can concentrate 100% for a short period of time while the children take care of themselves according to their age. After that hour or two of work, take care of the children to give them your full attention.
Priorize more physical activities in the morning so that the children expend maximum energy and are calmer afterwards.
Find activities kids can do that require less involvement from you. Put them in the same room as you to keep an eye on them, but let them do independent and quiet activities like a puzzle, crafts, reading, etc.
If your child still takes naps, take the opportunity to be productive during this time!
In the situation where both parents work from home, one can develop a daily schedule where each will take turns caring for the children while the other person works. Collaboration is key!
