Tip #10 – Working From Home
Tip: How to Balance Work and Home
As many of us have switched back to work from home mode, I thought this would be a good time to mention some tips on how to balance work and home.
In the past, many of us coveted the work from home life. We all thought about how awesome it would be to work in our PJs and avoid the painful traffic-filled commutes. So, now we are on the other side. Is the grass really greener?
There are definitely challenges, some more difficult to overcome then others. I read an article that I think sums up some of the most difficult (6 Biggest Challenges of Working from Home and How to Overcome Them), which includes, working after hours, time management, and collaboration with colleagues.
So here are some tips I found useful:
#1 – Create a Buffer Zone
The commute home often allowed us that buffer time to switch gears, and leave work at the door when we got home. Find a buffer activity: take a walk, read a passage from a book, write in a journal.
#2 – Collaborate with Colleagues
Set up a work social club in teams to find ways to interact with your colleagues. This is something we did at ELP to keep connected. Professional isolation can stifle some of our creative juices. Find ways to organically exchange ideas with your peers.
#3 – Time Management
Set up a specific work schedule. Be disciplined to walk away and eat lunch. End your work day at the same time every day. A set schedule will help balance your time and avoid getting burnt out from allowing our work to bleed into the rest of our lives.