You’re working from home and struggling to maintain work-life balance. What can you do to make it easier?

During the initial part of my career, I worked from home exclusively. I can relate well to this topic since I had no prior experience working in an office environment and did not know how to use that knowledge to structure my routine while working remotely. After struggling for a few months with irregular mealtimes and an unpredictable work schedule, I decided to take action. I began planning my day in advance, making sure to build a routine outside of my work commitments, whether that be a hobby or taking care of my physical wellbeing. By treating my work-from-home scenario with the same level of professionalism as I would in an office environment, I found that I actually had more time to myself, and my work became more productive.

To improve work-life balance while working from home, establish clear boundaries between work and personal life by creating a designated workspace and setting specific work hours. Schedule regular breaks throughout the day to recharge and avoid burnout. Prioritize tasks and set realistic goals to manage workload effectively. Communicate boundaries with colleagues and family members to minimize interruptions during work hours. Make time for hobbies, exercise, and socializing to maintain overall well-being. Finally, practice self-care and mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and stay focused on both work and personal responsibilities.

I find it so interesting the 2024 discussion about wfh and hybrid working .? Very early in the 2000s I worked for BT, in an area that sold audio video and web conferencing solutions.? We were a small department in the scheme of the behemoth that is BT but we, back then, developed really effective hybrid working models? The lessons about working productively, connecting to remote team members and integrating as part of the team have long stayed with me. ? I understand there will always be roles that have to be based in a specific location, think production / manufacturing/ education etc. But the extra effort, focus and care I know my organisation gets from me with hybrid conditions is a benefit not to be ignored.

Without the clear boundaries provided by a traditional office setting, it's easy for work to encroach on personal time, leading to burnout and decreased well-being. Clearly communicate your work hours to your colleagues and family members. Let them know when you'll be available for meetings and collaboration, and when you need uninterrupted focus time.

Aside from work, pre-plan what you're going to do before and after work. This will help you understand how much time you're going to need to get those things done and then fit work in the middle. So you know exactly when you're going to login and logout. Probably keep a 30 min. buffer here and there just in case something comes up.

Most important thing TBH. Its not like i say that you're lazy, but sometimes if you're alone at your home -You may lose more sense of time passing and focus too long on single tasks. Start your day with setting a proper plan for the day in your google calendar and stick to it!

Use time management techniques such as setting priorities, creating to-do lists, and using time-blocking to maximize your productivity and efficiency. Create a daily routine that includes set work hours, breaks, and leisure activities. Having a predictable schedule can help you stay organized and maintain a healthy balance between work and life.

Regardless of whether you're working in a hybrid environment, from the office, or from home, having a routine can help you focus on completing your work tasks regularly. It's important to synchronize your timelines with your team, organization, and project context, and also to differentiate between your professional and personal timelines. To ensure you get your 8 hours of work done, try listing out your daily activities, including networking, physical exercise, learning new skills, and spending time with family. This is similar to the timetables we used to have in school, which can help us stay on track and be productive.

One thing I've found helpful is to use an out-of-office calendar blocker in Outlook or Google Calendar. Add a blocker on your calendar for lunch time, before working hours, or after working hours, so you colleagues can see you aren't available during certain times.

Collaboration and networking are crucial for success in any field. By regularly synchronizing with your team and colleagues, you can stay focused and move forward toward your goals. Take advantage of opportunities to improve your skillset and build new connections, as these can lead to exciting opportunities and growth. Remember, with dedication and hard work, you can achieve great things!

Breaks are crucial for maintaining productivity and preventing burnout. Take short breaks from time to time to step away from your workspace, stretch.