While some remote workers thrive in an environment they can create from their homes, working from home can have a negative impact on some people who typically thrive in a shared environment.
Yes, you can find the positive in working from home: (i.e. no commute, cooking all your meals, being healthier) but there also can be some newfound challenges that you’ve never had to deal with at work.
There are pros and cons to working from home. Whether you’re adapting to the digital nomad lifestyle, accepting a new remote-only position at the job of your dreams, or if you had to stay at home for the unforeseeable future in hopes to flatten the curve of a global health pandemic, there are some things to look out for when the social aspect of daily office life goes away.
What if you have children at home?
Perhaps you truly enjoyed morning talks over coffee as coworkers arrived first thing in the morning? Maybe your shared work environment was chill and peaceful. Now – between one pre-teen belly laughing at streaming comedy while facetiming a friend and the other insistent on playing with your hair during every video call, you probably rarely have any time to yourself.
According to Fast Company,
“Your home is filled with distractions you simply don’t encounter at work, especially if you have other people living, working, or trying to get school work done.”
Here are some things to consider to keep your mental health in mind:
-
-
Creating A Routine Helps:
Whether it’s as simple as a morning routine or a full schedule of client calls and other work tasks, creating a routine can alleviate some unnecessary stress. Be flexible and go easy on yourself.
-
Take Breaks:
Set boundaries between your work life and your home life.
-
Talk With Someone:
Phone a friend or if you have access to therapy, set up a virtual meeting with your therapist. This is especially helpful when you are feeling disconnected.
-
DO NOT EXPECT TO BE 100% PRODUCTIVE WITH KIDS AT HOME:
You can not be 100% productive with kids at home. Don’t let the fear of this moment pressure you into thinking it is possible to be quarantined, a good parent, and employee of the month. Yes, you can get work done and take care of your child(ren)’s needs but can’t be super employee.
-
What works for you as you adjust to working from home?
Keep in mind that everyone does not have access and capabilities to work from home. Now is a good time to #CheckYourPrivilege if you were able to make a seamless transition from the office to your home.
— the nova collective (@findnova) March 24, 2020
