Tips for Finding Work-Life Balance When Working Remotely

The COVID-19 pandemic seems to have permanently changed life in the workplace for many Americans. While working remotely began as a temporary solution to aid with social distancing and minimizing contact with others during the early days of the pandemic, it is now a more permanent practice for many people across the country working in a variety of fields. While the option to work from home was helpful for some, and many are excited to have the opportunity to continue remote work moving forward, there is no denying that it can have negative consequences, especially for those who have a lot going on at home or were already struggling to find a good work-life balance. For parents, working from home can mean having difficulty separating time for household responsibilities from time for their employer, as well as time for their family once the day is done. While working from home can mean having the flexibility to spend more time with family, it can also mean having difficulty setting firm boundaries and only doing work during work hours. 

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If you find yourself struggling to find a balance between work and your home life as a result of working remotely, here are a few tips. 

1. Develop a Strong Morning Routine

When working in a traditional office setting, it is likely that you have a morning routine that centers on yourself and your family as opposed to work. When working from home, it can be easy to blur the lines between work and home and begin your morning by checking emails, making phone calls, etc. instead of giving yourself time to wake up before heading into “the office.”

While working remotely, you should begin each morning by getting dressed, spending time with your family, and having breakfast. This will make the work days you spend at home feel more “normal,” while setting a firm boundary that your time in the morning is still yours, and leaving work to be done within your designated office hours. 

2. Set Up an Effective Office

The key to maintaining a balance between your personal and professional life while working remotely is setting up a home office that is completely separate from the rest of your home. Limit personal distractions such as a TV or your children’s toys to signify that this room is for business only. Having good office furniture from a company like Key Interiors is also key to making your space look more professional and keeping you on track. Try to limit the number of family members who are allowed to pop in during office hours, and try not to leave your office except for lunch and other short breaks to limit distractions such as housework or tasks that could otherwise disrupt your workday. 

3. Set Firm Hours

One part of working remotely that can lead to a disruption in work-life balance is the fact that work can often be done asynchronously with your coworkers allowing you to work at your own pace, meaning you are likely to be less productive during the day when distractions are present but must catch up at an inopportune time when you wouldn’t normally work. Limit work hours to your typical schedule, and refrain from doing any business outside of those hours, including things as simple as checking your email or making a call. This is an important boundary to set, and will be one of the most effective ways to strengthen your balance between work and personal life.