As the world goes through this season, more than ever, we need to find creative ways to do business and work from home and still raise our children right. We as humans had evolved even before the pandemic but with recent happenings in the world. Work, and the way people live and do business will never be the same again.
A lot of organizations might decide to cut their cost and request that their employees work from home and maybe have physical meetings only once a week at the office after the lockdown.
The new digital business disruption is here to stay. Company who didn’t understand the need for digital transformation will be forced to invest in their organizational training to educate and implement an online automated systems to enable workflow within their organization. Employees need to cover the skills set gaps to remain relevant in their organization and career.
Many families will be forced to create a safe workstation in their homes. And before I dive into sharing these tips, this would be good time for organizations to train and coach their leaders and employees about the new face of work.
Read also: World Bank warns ‘copy-cat’ lockdowns could jeopardise African economies
No matter how organized you have been, it can still be a daunting task to successfully manage your career and your household in the same space, especially if you’re raising a family, too.
These tips can be used by home-based business owners, their employees and entrepreneurs who work for themselves and anyone who is experiencing working from home for the first time, only thing they need is the discipline to draw the line between personal and professional work time, this shutdown will force us to learn better ways to integrate the different areas of our lives. I call that work – life integration.
Start your day right- Taking time out to say daily positive words of affirmations is so powerful, you can also meditate on scriptures, workout for 30 mins and plan your healthy meals for the day before you resume at your home workstation.
Dressed Up For Work – Dressing up at home, sets the mood for a productive day. Working from home is not an excuse to stay dirty all day. Though it’s tempting to work in your favorite PJs, it may not be the best option for productivity.
“You don’t have to wear a suit or heels, of course, but don’t stay in your pajamas, either. Dressing in clothes that you would wear outside of the home helps you get into the mindset of work.”
Getting ready is important, especially because the way you dress can affect the way you feel.
Maintain healthy hygiene – Make sure your space is neat and cleaned up daily, don’t live in chaos, that’s not good for your mental health and make sure you are taking good care of your body, even your dental health, please brush your teeth so others won’t be punished when they come close to you. Achieving success in doors requires a lot of discipline.
Use a work hourly tracker or a App like Any.do to schedule your daily tasks and work online meetings. Also you can get my book to organize your children schedule and a detailed to- do list for your babysitter/ Nanny. My book Parent Organizer is a great resource for planning & organization for your family/ children to reduce the burden for parents and their care- givers.
Create (and maintain) a designated work space in your home.
Getting the right table and chair for the safety of your back is also very important. Make sure your sitting posture is safe, to avoid backaches.
Create a workstation in your home –
“It’s critical to commute out of the bedroom to a dedicated workspace that separates work from home, and also have a fun part in your home that is just for relaxation and breaks. Also create a learning station for your children and a daily schedule for all their activities.
Avoid distractions- Decide when is your TV, radio or podcast breaks. You need to be disciplined to achieve your daily work goals.
Effectively Communicate– Communicate your schedule with your family, let them support your work, by respecting your schedule. And find ways to allow you focus.
It’s important to communicate with your team members in your organization to maintain your team connection.
Your company can use a tool like Slack, to join online meetings or ”Go To Webinar” App. Make sure you join in the conversations and try to have some verbal communication, either by telephone or by the computer so that you have conversations that helps you connect with other of your team members.
Create a schedule that allows you to exercise your body either by morning or by evening, this is another way you can take care of your body and your mind.
Be clear on your daily goals, so you can achieve them seamlessly.
Be determined to stay focused, regardless of whether it’s work- or home-related, it can be tough with all the distractions that pop up throughout the day and the negative news on TV.
“Create a schedule that gives you time to also take care of your family. Striking a balance is very important
“Set your priorities and stick to them. Weather you are a paid employee working from home due to the lockdown now or an entrepreneur working for yourself . Create your time for meditation, positive affirmations, fitness, daily work tasks, online meetings, learning new skills, family work, in door fun time because of the lockdown and time to rest your mind and body.
Integrate both your personal and professional to-dos. This way you are compelled to achieve both simultaneously. Get a journal and write down things you are grateful for. Write down positive ideas, you will love to implement after the lockdown.
Take breaks– Take your normal breaks, connect with your family, play with your kids and snack on something healthy. Support your spouse with whatever that is needed around the home.
“It’s important to get up every 30mins to 1 hour to stretch and walk around. Remember to keep the hand washing habits going on even within the home. Teach your household this practice, make it fun and interactive to the children, if you have kids.
Eating healthy is important especially with the lockdown. Maintaining a healthy weight will improve your self esteem and mental health. Make sure you don’t stocked your pantry and your fridge with fizzy drinks and unhealthy foods. Your waistline won’t thank you after the lockdown. Make wiser decisions.
“Agree on your working hours, “That way, you are not expected to be available around the clock. This helps us all stay connected, while at the same time, setting and respecting each other’s boundaries and need for work-life balance.”
Be organized with time. Although being connected and communicative with your team is important. If you’re available all hours of the day, it will quickly become an expectation and work-life balance will be nonexistent.
Make time to unwind– Time to chill and watch TV after the kids have gone to bed so you can enjoy your ”Me Time” or time with your spouse. having a cup of tea, stepping outside for some fresh air, and doing stretches are ways to spend “white space” time.
