You may have been hearing the phrase “New Normal” a lot lately, but the truth is there’s nothing normal about it!
In the last year, millions of individuals have started to work from home, many for the first time. While many companies and teams have been able to embrace this shift from the cubicle to the couch (or dining room table), many others have been confronted by challenges, including:
- Concerns about the security issues that working remotely presents
- Hardware, software or device incompatibilities or limitations
- Balancing parenting time and working from home
- Balancing working from home with the demands of virtual schooling
- Working too much or not enough, feeling productive at home
- Finding a routine that segregates work time, from home time
When companies are looking to address security, software, hardware and other device concerns with for their remote workforce, Mobility Help Desk uses the power and reliability of AT&T’s LTE and 5G Network to provide solutions for companies big and small, but how do individuals find the balance between the hours they are working and the hours they are “off the clock,” so to speak?
While some may struggle with feeling like they haven’t worked enough hours during the day (due to childcare, lack of focus, etc) many struggle with the ability to “turn off” or make themselves unavailable like they would have previously done by punching out and walking out their office door.
So how do you balance work time, and free time, when you’re working from home?
Create a designated ‘workspace’ for yourself.
While working from the couch with your feet kicked up on the coffee table may work for some, it’s recommended that you create a designated workspace to help keep work time from taking over your free time. This can be a corner of your dining room table, kitchen counter, the baby’s room, wherever works for you!
Block out your work time, from your free time.
It’s alright to set “office hours” so to speak and communicate these clearly to co-workers, family, and friends. Indicate it on your calendar, and be accountable to those times you’ve established to work. This protects your work time from bleeding over into your free time, and vice versa.
Just Say “NO.”
At the end of your workday, shut your laptop, leave your workspace, turn off your email notifications, mute Slack, do what you have to do to “leave” work. Put your paperwork away, and call it a day!
Take Breaks.
If you are one of those individuals who struggles to feel like you are getting enough done while working remotely, give yourself a break, because chances are, if you feel like you aren’t getting enough done, you are probably an over-achiever! Take breaks! Instead of heading to the water cooler or having that morning coffee break with co-workers, throw a load of laundry in the machine, water your lawn, or take a walk around the block.
Be Kind to Yourself, and to Others.
There are going to be interruptions. This is a “new” fact of life, and the same grace you afford others, lend to yourself! With kids, dogs, virtual learning, packages being delivered and driers beeping from the laundry room, there are going to be interruptions, and that’s okay! This is a new normal we are all dealing with, and it’s time to embrace the messiness and the positivity in all this not only for yourself but for others too!
If Something isn’t working, Try Something Else!
You may find that over time, some tactics work better than other for you, and that’s okay! You may be able to relax your boundaries over time, or you may feel yourself slipping and might need to hold yourself or others more accountable. If something isn’t working, try something new until you find the proper work/life balance that works for you!
What other tips have you found to be useful when it comes to balancing your work time and free time?
Mobility Help Desk has partnered with AT&T to provide powerful mobile solutions for businesses and organizations that make working remotely, more accessible! Have questions about your mobile devices, fleet management, or security? We love finding solutions to your company’s needs.
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