April 14, 2020
Working from Home When Not Alone
As our remote work continues, we each find ourselves in different work environments. However, many times these conditions do include other people or pets that are now our new co-workers! So, how do you manage this environment so that it meets the needs of all involved?
Many have found that by following one or more of these tips it has improved the remote work environment for everyone involved.
• First and foremost, have a group meeting of the household to check how everyone is doing. Many have been in this situation for 2-6 weeks and what was previously established or evolved as household operating procedures may or may not be working. Make sure everyone feels heard.
• Set some ground rules for moving forward that everyone can agree to follow. You might have a bit of a challenge here with the pets!
• Create and post a daily schedule that everyone contributes to and is aware of. If your coworkers involve young children or pets, remember to share the opportunity for everyone to interact with them.
• Have a back-up plan for when the kids or pets get bored. Maybe a new or old/new game or puzzle that has not been used for some time or one of the many educational resources that are available on line.
• Each person should share their part of the schedule with their work team on at least a weekly basis.
• It is OK to take household breaks. Put the laundry in, sweep the floor, fix that squeaky door, pull some weeds, or even wash the windows!
• Try to find a personal space for each person to work or study even if it is different corners of the same room. If it is different corners of the room try to schedule alternate work times.
• Do not forget to STOP working. It is easy to blend work/home/family 24/7 during these times and that does not do justice to any one of them. Set clear times that everyone in the household is off the clock. And, at the end of the day or week encourage everyone to close up their work space so that it is not always open for business as usual.
• If possible, have a family space that is not used for work or school. As the weather gets warmer this might be the deck or porch.
• Finally, expect the unexpected. Be resilient!
So, keep what is working while creating new strategies for what is not. Remember, change is slow and you need to manage your expectations. Finally, mindset matters; take a break and reset if necessary.