Strategies for managing work-life balance when working from home

As we power through another lockdown and extended periods of uncertainty, balancing work and life combined with pandemic fatigue can be draining our energy and motivation levels. We asked fellow businesses and entrepreneurs about the strategies they use to manage work-life balance when working from home during lockdown, and this is what we heard:

Manage your time and energy

“One of the biggest problems when working from home - especially at a time like now when it’s full time - is that the line between our professional life and our personal life gets completely blurred. We know lockdown has thrown regular life and schedules out the window, and so many of us now have homeschooling to deal with as well as work. If this is the case, try and come up with a schedule that you can all follow and stick to. You may have to do work earlier or later than normal, but now is the time when work can fit around your life for a change! Have designated time to do your work, homeschooling, life admin, and chores. And make sure you “book” in time to wind down at the end of the day, and keep your weekends completely free so you can spend it with your family.”, recommends Nick Pollitt, Managing Director of DBI Furniture Solutions.

With a third national lockdown closing most UK schools, many parents are balancing homeschooling while still doing their own work. The expert team at Oxford Home Schooling recommends that parents don’t worry about recreating the full school day. “When they’re at school, children aren’t learning from the second they arrive until the hometime bell - they walk between lessons, have breaks and spend time settling into classrooms. So don’t worry about making them work non-stop from 9 to 3:30. One-to-one teaching is more efficient than normal group lessons anyway, so even a couple of hours can be really valuable, and these can fit in around your work.”

Stick to a routine

Colin Penfold, Managing Director of Labelsource recommends sticking to a routine. “It’s easy to lose that work-life balance when working from home, but I found that sticking to the routine I had before the pandemic helps keep me productive. I get up at the same time as I usually would have, eat breakfast, and then use what would have been my commute time to relax or prepare depending on the day, and I make sure to log off and step away at the same time every day.”, shared Colin.

“Routine has been my biggest support in ensuring that I can be focussed in my work and still ensure that I can disconnect at the end of the day. I have created a morning routine of yoga and meditation before I commence my day. I always take a walk in the afternoon, no matter the weather, and I finish work at a set time each day. Following this strict routine has ensured that I don't log back on during the evenings.”, added Lizzie Benton, Founder & Culture Consultant at Liberty Mind.

Take breaks

Simon Oxenham, Head of Social Media at Xcoins.com says that it’s a lot easier to fall into the trap of working when you shouldn’t when you have the benefit of working from home. So make sure you’re taking your breaks and logging off at the end of the day physically and mentally. If you’re ill, take the time off instead of trying to power through, and when you’re better you can come back more productive.

“Take your breaks, and make sure you’re taking them away from any screens. While working from home it’s easy to stay at your computer, or not take your full lunch break, but I find that I’m always more productive in the afternoon after going for a walk on my lunch break than if I had a quick lunch at my desk.”, agrees Alice Lloyd, Senior Director Coordinator of Dssmith.com

Keep it social

“If you’re working from home and have a partner, it’s a good idea to talk through your schedules or working styles. If you prefer to work in silence or have a meeting on the day let your partner know so that you don’t accidentally interrupt or distract each other. You can also plan your lunch break to spend it together which is a bonus that comes with working from home”, says Jonny Williams, Marketing Manager Of Airbus Cybersecurity.

Matt Davies, Human Resources Director of Target Group shares: “Working from home obviously has its benefits, but one of the downfalls of the current climate is that people are feeling much more isolated. Make the time to socialise virtually, speak to your colleagues as they are likely feeling the same way, and reach out to your HR department who are there to support you.”

“And why should company jollies be restricted to Christmas? Schedule in some non-work-related social activities to keep staff going through the cold, dark winter months, such as cooking challenges and quiz nights.”, adds the team at Moneypenny.

Designate a working space

Darren Hockley, Managing Director at DeltaNet International says: “Not everyone is lucky enough to have a home office installed and, without a physical office to escape to, it can be hard to keep work and home life separate. Blurring the line between work and home can be counterproductive, though, as it means you never truly 'switch off' and, conversely, become less and less productive. Homelife can also suffer from the imbalance. Remember, your workspace doesn't need to be its own room, but you should take steps to make it feel 'apart' from the rest of your home. Choose an area with good natural light and ensure you have a comfortable, supportive chair. 'Entering' work might be as simple as flicking on your desk lamp or opening your notebook – whatever works for you – but this physical signal means you are 'at' work mentally. When you are done for the day, make sure to close all tabs and programs related to your job. Turn off your lights, close your notebook, and tidy other desk items away. The key here is to do whatever it takes to 'leave' work. “

Reflect

“Reflect at the end of the day. Slow it down and reflect on the achievements of the day and anything you have learnt that you could practice tomorrow. Think about things you need to leave and give yourself permission to leave them until tomorrow.”, says Liz Sebag‑Montefiore​, Director and Co‑Founder at 10Eighty.

Every now and then, start the day by looking back to your previous life and see how far you have come. Whatever the timeline, there probably was a time when some of your achievements seemed impossible. Think back to those time, acknowledge the little steps you take each day to progress and celebrate your successes, no matter how small.