Remote Work: The Work-Life Balancing Act
I will be the first to admit that work and life often mix together in a sometimes stressful and demanding combination in my home. Even as I write this blog post, I have spelled three words for my son’s Christmas list that he insisted needed to be written right now and changed the clothes from the washer to the dryer. It is undeniable remote work and life is messy and beautiful all at the same time.
While our business is flourishing and client projects are ramping up, life has continued to intensify and challenge me at every turn. In the beginning, I was trying to do it all. Meet deadlines, make lunches, develop innovative content for clients, volunteer at my kid’s school, work all hours and all days, and more and more. I know that burnout knows no boundaries and burnout was right around the corner if I did not refocus on balance.
One way I think of the need for balance is through the three-legged stool analogy. This metaphorical “stool” has three-legs: work, life, and self. Each of the legs needs to be balanced in order to prevent burnout, stress, and imbalance. We all know what burnout and stress does to our relationships, health, and work quality. I also know how tricky this balancing act can be when your work and life is so entangled while working from home.
I needed solutions.
I got to work on a few answers for myself.
First, I needed to establish the non-negotiables. These are the parts that I could not ignore or miss in each aspect of work and life. These non-negotiables clearly outlined what I valued and needed for balance.
My non-negotiables are:
Work: Defined working hours
Life: Being present for my kid’s bedtime and school events
Self: Sleep and exercise
Once I established my non-negotiables in each aspect of work-life balance, I then set to work making a routine that honored these components but also left room for flexibility and growth.
Here are some of my key components of my work-life balanced routine:
Work
Defined Work Hours
I established a clear set of hours for work. I delegate my tasks as needed within these times and if work still remains, it is prioritized for the following working day.
A Designated Work Space
If available, set up a designated workspace for yourself. For me, this meant setting up a space for my standing desk and natural light away from the main family hubs. This gives me peace and quiet, the option to move to other spaces in the house if I need a change in scenery, and the option to close the door and walk away from work when I am finished for the day.
Create a Routine Structure
I thrive on routine. After being a teacher for 10 years, I love a good routine and schedule to follow. This also helps me plan and structure meetings, appointments, and focus on developing innovative strategies for our clients.
Communication and Flexibility
Communicate your set working hours and non-negotiables with your team. When your team understands your needs and values, this makes for a better chance you will thrive on your plan. I work with two of the most amazing humans that have similar values and we have prioritized balance which in turn has helped us be the best version of ourselves when working for our clients.
Life
Look Ahead on Family Schedules
Take some scheduled time to add school vacations, events, and important appointments such as parent-teacher conference days to your schedule. Having a head start on knowing these days is one way to anticipate and rearrange work to meet those non-negotiable commitments. I have built-in flexibility within my schedule that allows me to take time for school events when needed.
Self
Healthy Habits
Set time aside to exercise each day as part of your work-life routine. Use this time strategically to take a break and focus on your health as needed or hit the gym before work starts. Do not multitask during these times, take a walk or lift some weights and reconnect with your work after this scheduled time.
Stay Connected
Whether it is meeting with a friend for my lunch hour or going to an event after work, it is essential for me to be strategic about staying connected. This is essential for my mental health and especially when working from home can feel isolating.
I definitely do not have a magic formula or endless funds to hire a housekeeper, personal chef, personal trainer, tutors, and nannies. It still is messy and a work in progress. I do however have some clear boundaries and strategies that I strive to practice that allow me to set routines and maintain a healthy-happy work-life balance. It also helps that I have an incredible team that understands and values what is needed for a healthy balance.
