While working from home has many benefits, some of which are flexibility, increased productivity, zero commuting, and more quality time with your loved ones, working remotely can also make it harder for you to cut and unplug during the workday , ultimately reducing your work-life balance. When employees are encouraged to find a positive work-life balance, they are often more motivated to do great work.
Here are some tips for achieving work-life balance while working remotely:
Set a proper work schedule
In order to maximize productivity and work time while working remotely, it is essential to develop a cohesive schedule for yourself to guide you through your day. Given that working from home is more comfortable and less stressful than working in an office, imposing a structure to your day will reduce distractions and keep you focused on the task at hand.
You may also like to know: How To Create Your Work From Home Schedule
Learn: How to create a remote work schedule (with templates)
List your work & Plan your day productively
In addition to having a specific structure for your day, curating a to-do list helps ensure you are productive and accomplish what your role requires. It can be comforting to actually cross tasks and projects off your to-do list—especially if you question your productivity levels and progress.
Set boundaries
Occupy your space as much as possible, and clearly communicate your needs, time constraints, and work schedule in advance. Communication is key! Take care to proactively communicate your needs for upcoming work schedules and commitments ahead of time so that everyone is aware of the various time constraints and your individual needs as you go through your workday.
Designate a workspace
Establish a dedicated workspace in your home to help you create a consistent routine during work hours. When it’s time to check in, you’ll know to go to a specific area of your home, just like you would at the office.
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Take breaks
Give your eyes a rest by stretching or walking away from your computer screen at frequent 10-15 minute intervals. So that you don’t get bogged down or overwhelmed at work, take some time to get up, stretch, and move around your home. Taking a break from staring at your computer screen will help you stay productive in the long run.
Get organized
Use organizational tools like Google Calendar, Asana, and more to break down specific parts of your workday to amplify your workflow. When working from home, teams often hold conference calls to ensure deadlines are met and communication is not interrupted. However, you can still take advantage of time slots on your calendar to ensure you are productive and get work done.
Set an “end of day” routine
Schedule some time with your loved ones and/or roommates to celebrate the end of your workday with 1-2 fun activities. you did it! Now is the end of your work day, and you feel accomplished and capable. What better way to celebrate with loved ones or roommates? Think of bonding activities you can do together to round out the day.
Useful articles: Remote Workforce and Time Management
