9 Tips for Working at Home Successfully

Welcome to the new world of coronavirus-quarantining, where we are all home, all the time. While many of us have worked from home for a day or two in the past or regularly work from home while the kids are at school, few of us know the challenges of working from home with the entire family present (and begging for snacks). As this new era dawns, we’ve compiled some tips on how to make it through the days.

Make a Schedule for the Whole Family

Since all schedules have now been disrupted, it’s imperative we make your own. Write down how your family will progress through the hours, including times for reading, schoolwork, watching TV, outdoor “recess,” and meals. Then have a family meeting every morning to make sure everyone knows the rules.

Create an Office for Yourself

If you don’t already have a home office, designate a room or even a nook as a place where you can be quiet and work (or just breathe). Announce to your family members that you are not to be interrupted there.

Block Off Your Time for Work

Block off a chunk of time on the family schedule and make it the same time every day. When you are not working, make sure that you are present so everyone knows the difference between working and not working.

Get Dressed As If You're Headed to the Office

While many of us who work remotely stay in sweats and PJs until the kids get home, it’s now more important than ever to shower and put on real clothes when you start your day. We have to be functioning grown-ups for our kids—or at least look like them.

Carve Out Time with Your Spouse

Many are predicting that the coronavirus will lead to a baby boom—as well as divorce. Try to carve out some 1-on-1 time with your partner, when the kids go to sleep, before dinner, or early in the morning.