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The COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp increase in remote working, a trend that is expected to continue. Major companies from American Express to Airbnb have announced plans to maintain a telecommute-friendly workplace, according to Business Insider. If you’re a parent working from home while your kids learn remotely, there are many pros and cons to expect. While it’s easier to keep an eye on your little ones, you may find it difficult to focus on work when you have everyday home life distracting you.
theNeatNiche offers workflow organization services designed to eliminate distractions and promote productivity. This is just one of the many resources available to make work-from-home easier for parents. Read on for more tips and tools that can help.
Create a dedicated workspace for yourself — and for your child
Set aside a space in your home that’s just for work. Ideally, choose a low-traffic zone that won’t offer a lot of distractions. If you don’t have a separate room for a home office, consider setting up a desk in your bedroom. When designing your space, incorporate elements that will enhance productivity. Psychology Today reveals that natural light exposure improves performance, for example, while plants can alleviate stress, according to Mindful Searching.
Setting aside a workspace makes it easier to focus. The same is true for your kids when it comes to remote learning. Plus, according to Popsugar Family, giving kids a desk of their own can help keep them motivated. Find a desk that fits your child’s size and equip it with all of their school supplies. Make it clear that this is their special space for organizing and tracking their work, giving them a sense of personal agency and importance.
Set a daily routine for the entire family
Routine is important when working or learning from home. MSN reports that an established schedule can help maintain a sense of normalcy and keep everyone motivated. Make a point to get everybody up and dressed in the mornings. You might consider starting your day off with a brisk family walk to get everybody’s circulation flowing, for example. Poor circulation can cause difficulty concentrating, according to Medical News Today.
As a work-from-home parent with a remote-learning child, a routine can also make it easier to keep track of deadlines — from your own work assignments to your child’s homework. You can’t be expected to remember all these diverse obligations without help, however. Trust technology for assistance. A shared calendar like Google Calendar is a quick fix. This Google tutorial on using a Google Calendar for families is useful.
Enlist the help of a support network at work and at home
Whether it’s a question of parenting or career, you don’t have to do it all yourself. Start building a support network to help you manage major responsibilities. For example, if you have a big meeting or deadline coming up, ask your partner to take over more duties. You can also seek external help via family, friends, or professional babysitters.
When it comes to your work, alleviate stress by outsourcing basic administrative duties to others. A virtual assistant can help with everything from appointment scheduling to answering phones and emails, for example. Work-for-hire platforms let you select pros using criteria like costs and reviews from former clients.
The key to success when working from home is a well-organized space, a set schedule, and the right support. This is especially true if you’re a parent juggling your personal and professional lives under one roof.
For help setting up a home office that promotes a streamlined workflow and enhances productivity, trust theNeatNiche. We have been in the business for ten years and remain dedicated to helping our clients thrive. Check out our blog to learn more.
This guest post was provided by Cherie Mclaughlin with couchbasedbiz.com.