Remote Work Hacks That Keep You Balanced

It’s hard to believe it’s been almost four years since COVID-19 forced almost all of us to transition to remote work. Along with the work-from-home revolution came a unique set of challenges that linger with us to this day. The sudden shift from bustling office environments to the comfort (and chaos) of home blurred the lines between personal and professional life. While the flexibility was liberating, the distractions, well, not so much.

Now, full transparency — when I’m focused, I don’t see you, hear you, or think about you. I can easily sit for hours on end, sometimes even 16 hours straight, working on a project that’s important to me. It’s not the healthiest habit, I know, but I get bucketloads of work done in one sitting. However, this intense focus comes with a caveat — I require total silence. No background noise, no interruptions. Total silence becomes my sanctuary during these moments, a cocoon where I can hone in on the task without external disturbances.

But life rarely adheres to such strict parameters, especially when you share your living space with loved ones! One afternoon, I noticed my husband tiptoeing around the house like he was a secret agent on a top-secret mission. Believe it or not, it was the tiptoeing that ticked me off! So I couldn’t help but ask him why the heck he was acting like a burglar in his own house, tiptoeing around. His answer was simple, but it floored me: “You know how you get when you’re in a zone. I didn’t want to disturb you.”

His words not only served as a wake-up call (I moved "my office" to a less public room in the house), but they also prompted me to ask others how they manage balancing working remotely.

Here are a few strategies I heard you may want to consider:

Noise-canceling headphones.?They can be an investment, but I was told a quality pair can be a game-changer. Not only do they drown out ambient noise, but they also serve as a visual cue to your family that you’re in work mode. (And no tiptoeing is required!)

Time-blocking.?I was pleased to hear that many others incorporate this tactic because I’ve been a staunch advocate of time-blocking for years. By segmenting your day into dedicated blocks for specific tasks, breaks (ok, I don’t take breaks), and personal time (ok, I don’t take much of that either during working hours), you can maintain focus without succumbing to burnout. Plus, it helps you prioritize your To-do list and allocate your time more efficiently. Although I don’t take breaks or factor in personal time during a nine-to-five time frame, I do set aside one hour every day to head outside for a walk, regardless of the weather or time of day. As a Midwesterner, my appreciation for Mother Nature has blossomed tenfold as I’ve walked through snowstorms, in the rain, and in total darkness (during some of those 16-hour work stretches). I also include “husband time” to ensure I’m keeping things balanced at work and in love. Too many of us take understanding spouses for granted. Neglecting the importance of love in my life by placing it behind my work responsibilities was a tough lesson I learned from my 'starter' husband. I don't dare repeat it with my current husband. (That’s a hint for y’all everywhere, ladies.)

The true beauty of "remote working" lies in its flexibility. You don't have to pigeonhole yourself into rigid thinking about what an approved remote space is.

Dedicated workspace.?Many people report that creating a designated workspace within their home has been crucial. Whether it’s a corner of the living room or a home office, having a physical boundary helps them mentally transition into work mode. It also signals to others in the household that when they’re in that space, they’re not to be disturbed unless it’s urgent. For me, I turned my adult son’s old bedroom into a full-fledged office – but I rarely work in it!

You define remote. We are blessed enough to have three homes. Traveling from house to house forced me to reframe what my “office” is. I've narrowed it down to a computer and my Smartphone, both of which I can print from anywhere as long as I have access to Wifi. So, I like to keep spare chargers on hand and switch things up a bit by changing the scenery where I work. Yes, that includes the beach during the summer! The true beauty of "remote working" lies in its flexibility. You don't have to pigeonhole yourself into rigid thinking about what an approved remote space is. Whether you choose to work from your son's old bedroom turned home office, a cozy window nook, or the nearest Starbucks -- in another country -- you get to define "remote."

As long as you don't travel on company time to and from your remote location, violate any company policies, or reveal the company's intellectual property on public internet systems (See! Those noise-canceling headphones come in handy), you should be comfortable working remotely from anywhere. Keep your Zoom or Microsoft Teams backdrop neutral, and no one needs to be the wiser about your physical location.

Look, remote work is inherently unpredictable. No amount of planning can eliminate all distractions. The balancing act is real. There are days when your focus may wane when the kids are off from school, repair folks need access, and the phone won’t stop ringing or vibrating from text messages of suddenly gregarious girlfriends excited about plans for an upcoming girl's trip. Be gentle with yourself (and the people in your life) during those moments and adapt accordingly. The important thing is to strike a balance that allows you to thrive in both your personal and professional life.

So, I’m just curious (read nosy): What's your secret to balancing home and remote working?

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Powerful Penny LLC is an executive coaching, consulting, and lifestyle firm founded by veteran corporate executive Cheryl Grace. We work with corporations seeking to promote, retain, and support diverse talent, as well as diverse professionals seeking to advance to their next level of career success. Our professional development services, coaching programs, and speaking/workshop series are fully customizable. Discover how we can help you achieve your desired long-term results!