Over the past few years, remote and hybrid working has risen massively – with research showing 75% of UK workers work from home at least some of the time.
This surge in hybrid and remote work has brought significant benefits, offering increased flexibility and opportunities to spend more quality time with our families. However, balancing work responsibilities with childcare during school holidays and closures can pose unique challenges for those working from home.
To help ease the burden, here are some top home working tips* to help you manage your workload and get the most out of remote working.
Here are some of our top tips:
- Stick to your routine — Just like any job, you’ve got to arrive at work on-time and work to a schedule. Your routine could include getting everyone up and dressed as usual, setting the table for lunch, and getting children to help with chores. Preparation and planning may take time, but it can help the day run smoother and take the stress away.
- Block out sound — It’s not just children that create noise, but appliances, lawnmowers and neighbours putting up shelves. Invest in a good pair of earplugs — or headphones — so you can work in peace.
- Go for a walk — A brisk walk around the corner can help clear your head, get the blood flowing and enhance your wellbeing. Make time to take the kids out; fresh air and burning off steam helps them have a good night sleep, and so will you. Or ask the grandparents to do something outdoors with them.
- Create boundaries — Stick to your study if you have one, so that your children can keep themselves entertained in the living areas. Consider a stair gate for young infants.
- Take breaks — Just as in the office you might make a coffee or chat to colleagues, remember to relax and recharge your batteries between tasks. Playtime is just as important as home schooling, so take time off for childcare, put your play dates in the diary, and tell your kids when they can expect some fun!
- Get your tech ready — Set up your camera to avoid walk-through areas where toddlers can roam. Make sure that everyone in the household knows. If you need to be flexible to slip in and out of rooms, take calls on your mobile so you can do toilet runs with the kids or address any mishaps.
- Remember to let go — It’s time to accept your home is multifunctional now, so mess is a given when working from home with kids. People may see and hear your children, so don’t stress! But while swapping your office clothes for slippers and a dressing gown has a certain appeal, you’re best advised to wear your normal clothes so you don’t drift subconsciously into the rhythm of a sleepy Sunday.
- Have some useful distractions ready — Sometimes kids just want to be near you and see what you’re doing. Having pens, paper, old laptops, keyboards and jigsaws at the ready can help buy you some time.
- Turn off the doorbell — It may sound drastic, but deliveries and visitors can cause unnecessary distractions when you’re focused on an important task. Consider removing those doorbell batteries, then replace them when you’re done.
- Take the little wins – Not everything will go perfectly, so if you’ve managed to get the kids dressed, remembered to feed them and you’re getting your work done, you can feel a sense of accomplishment. While some adjustments need to be made to make the most out of working from home with kids, employing some of these tips can be a great way to ensure you are making the most of being at home.
*Legal & General
https://www.legalandgeneral.com/insurance/life-insurance/family/working-from-home-with-kids/
