5 Ways to Remain Productive When Working From Home With Kids
Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, employers are more open to hiring long-term employees working from home in different parts of the world. Working from home may seem ideal because it saves on commuting costs and time, but if you have kids, they can cause distractions. During the first few weeks of working from home, you may find it challenging to maintain a work-life balance. However, the following ways can help you remain productive when working from home.
Define your office station
Working in an area where your kids can access you whenever they want or cause distractions with their noise can lower productivity. Dedicate a room to act as your home office and ensure it has a lockable door to reduce interruptions.
Having a defined office station gets you into a working mood and lets your kids know you’re busy when you’re in that room. Get the necessary equipment for your office, such as headphones that block noise from your kids.
Schedule working hours
It’s vital to plan your day to remain productive when working from home. Being at home may seem like the ideal time, watch movies, sleep, have fun with your kids, and perform chores that you had previously ignored. However, the only difference is that you’re not commuting to your workplace.
The best way to navigate working from home is through scheduling working hours where you complete tasks, respond to emails and return calls. But, first, determine the hours you can work in a day, and the ideal working time, which is mainly during the day, so that you can get enough time to be with family and rest.
Leave the kids busy
Kids cause fewer distractions and interruptions when they have something to keep them busy. Give them simple chores or assignments to perform as you work, or allow them to play outside.
Make your outdoor safe by working with Leesburg Landscaping to customize a design for you and your kids. Encourage your kids to work on creative projects and keep them entertained with storybooks, movies, games, and toys.
Prepare for interruptions
When kids know their parents are around, they will want to spend time with them or seek attention.
Some ways kids seek attention is by throwing tantrums, crying, or calling for you. Even with a dedicated workplace, your kid could storm in unexpectedly while you’re on a tight schedule or virtual call. Although it can be irritating and annoying, be prepared to handle the situation calmly when this happens.
Take regular breaks
The same way you have tea and lunch breaks in a workplace is the same way you should take breaks when working from home. However, you can take longer or additional breaks that allow you to spend time with your kids and give them the attention they need. They also allow you to rest before you carry on with work.
Bottom line
Balancing childcare and work when working from home, especially when it is a new experience, can be overwhelming and frustrating. However, don’t beat yourself up and instead come up with a workable plan. Schedule working hours with regular breaks to spend time with kids. Don’t work late nights to enable you to focus during the day, keep your kids occupied, and plan for interruptions.
