How to survive (and enjoy) the summer holidays when you work from home…..
The summer holidays are just around the corner and whilst working from home, even some of the time is helpful, this time of year can still become a huge juggling act leaving you feeling as if you are doing nothing well. So how can you make it work, here are a few tips and ideas.
Plan and agree your work schedule
Decide the hours you are going to work, when you start, finish, and take break and keep to them. It sets your family’s expectations and makes it easier to implement.
Dress for work
Dressing for work not only gets you in the right mindset it also it a clear message to your family you are working.
Try cost effective childcare solutions
Consider childcare swaps with other working parents in your area and check out council run holiday clubs which can be low-cost and used on an ad hoc basis. If you are lucky enough to have grandparents who can help, rope them in too!
Get up earlier
Setting your alarm earlier and using the quiet time to get work done can be a fantastic way to stay on top of things.
Signs for silence
If you need to join a Teams Meeting or make a phone call that requires quiet, tie a scarf to the door handle and tell your children not to come in whilst the scarf is on the door.
Focus when you are working
When you have chosen your work times, be disciplined, do not be tempted to put washing on or quickly vacuum. It sends mixed messages and will make you less efficient.
Long amusements
Make sure younger children have activities that will keep them amused for longer periods of time. For example, movie afternoons with their favourite film and popcorn or a Lego challenge will keep them busy for a couple of hours.
Have fun!
Schedule down time with your family, not only will this make you feel less torn between work and home but making time for paddling pools, ice cream, family games, barbeques and going to the beach is really what the summer holidays are all about.
