Due to the unprecedented times we live in, working from home has become an increasingly common practice for many workplaces. While remote working has a considerable number of benefits, such as having a flexible schedule, wearing comfortable clothes, and not commuting, it can also present some challenges.
If you are a working parent, the COVID-19 pandemic may well have brought you some severe levels of stress. Not only have you had to support your child’s transition to online learning at school, but you have also had to manage the same shift in your career.
Planning Effectively and Setting a Structured Routine
While the whole family are working and learning from home, communicating a clear routine will help you manage your workload and the needs of your children. However, you should try to imitate your old office schedule. These are very challenging times, and it is essential not to put yourself under too much strain.
You could create a plan for your whole family that includes each family member’s work and school timetables. Try to include some daily exercise in your routine. Not only will it help you and your family stay fit, but it will also play a significant role in your mental health.
Finding a Task Management Tool That Works For You
Planning and effectively managing your tasks is the best way to ensure you stay organised.
There are many ways you can achieve this:
- Using an online project management tool – you can have separate columns for different tasks, such as admin, schooling or household. You could also make your priorities clear by colour-coding your tasks.
- Using a paper diary.
- Using a Notes app on your mobile or laptop.
Whichever method you choose, it should be quick and straightforward to manage.
Creating Your Own Workspace
Finding a quiet corner and making it your work area is essential to staying focused on your job. You should make sure that you communicate effectively with your children. They will need to know when they can and cannot access your workspace.
Breaking Down Your Schedule
During these challenging times, you should ensure you take enough breaks during your working day. Breaking down your family tasks into smaller, manageable blocks will allow you to take regular breaks. You can set working and resting intervals with a timer and choose the interval lengths that best work for you. If you are unsure how to start, try to work for 25 minutes and rest for 5 minutes. You can then adjust your interval lengths according to your family’s plan.
Taking Advantage of Nap Times
Babies and young children have their own patterns when it comes to napping during the day. Whichever the length and frequency of their naps, they can be your opportunity to complete your most challenging tasks at work. If your children do not nap during the day or rest for a short time, try to schedule your most difficult tasks for their evening bedtime.
If you are interested in working from home because of your children, considering a job that offers flexibility can be a good idea. For further information, visit our page on flexible working conditions.