In this post-Covid 19 setting, working from home has become more of an option than it ever has been.
She Shed’s are a fantastic solution to work from home. But working from home introduces a new challenge, finding a work/life balance. Without a dedicated space and dedicated hours, the lines between work life and home life can be easily blurred.
Here’s a few basic rules you can follow to maintain a healthy work/life balance.
Tips on how to balance work and life
Set work hours:
With our emails available on our laptops and phones it’s easier than ever to overwork. Even if you’ve shut down your laptop for the day, it’s likely only a few feet away. There can be a temptation to work whenever you can because you can. Set yourself work hours and stick to those work hours. This ensures work won’t take over all day, every day.
Share your work hours with your team and your family.
Time boundaries help your kids understand that at certain times during the day you will be in work mode, and the other times, you’ll be in parent mode. It also helps your team know when they can and cannot reach you .
Manage Distractions:
In an office setting your day is broken up. You might walk down to the coffee shop, take a toilet break, chat with a co-worker. When at home it can be easy to work for long unbroken periods of work. At home it can also be easy to be distracted by everything that needs to be done at home. Manage these distractions like you would in a workplace. Studies show that we should take a break every 50 – 90 minutes of work. Work 50 minutes then take 5 minutes to put a load of washing on. Then return to work for another 50 minutes, then take 5 minutes to unload the dishwasher.
Put your work away at the end of the day:
Ensure you mentally clock out at the end of the work day. Turn your laptop off and shut the lid. Clean up pens and notepads, remove empty cups and glasses. Physically tidying up and closing down your workspace will replicate leaving at the end of the day and will help transition you from work life to home life.
Take a lunch break:
Close your laptop and change your environment. Spend 30 – 60 minutes without staring at a screen. Go for a walk, read a book, sit outside in the sun. Whatever you choose to do, do it somewhere other than your work station.
Get ready for work each day:
You may not be leaving the house and sitting in meetings all day with other physical humans, but this doesn’t mean you should spend all day in your pyjamas either. Getting up and getting dressed mentally prepares you for the day ahead. Some people even find it helpful to change again into ‘home clothes’ at the end of the workday.
Work in a dedicated space:
Have a space that is dedicated to work. Being too comfortable can negatively impact productivity, so working from your bed or couch may not be the best place to achieve your work goals. Create a workspace that has great lighting with a comfortable desk and chair. Ensure your space is clutter free, neat and dedicated to being your workspace. If you don’t have a spare room, or relaxed dining room, a She Shed is a great alternative!
