Work-from-Home Work and Home Separation Tips

Since 2006 I have been working from home (starting part-time) and ever since March (2020) friends have been asking me to write an article about how I separate my work from home life when working from home (WFH).

Define your work space

Whether it's a dedicated room or a corner, make your work space a place you can focus. Those with space constraints can define spaces with movable room dividers or furniture like a colleague of mine with a studio in Manhattan used to do.

Embrace the power of routine

A consistent routine is your secret weapon. If you can't set specific work hours, consider setting work hour ranges to keep within as much as possible. Ensure you communicate deviations to your typical work hours with coworkers as needed. Setting clear availability expectations with peers, reports, and management increases trust and respect. Use chat statuses to show when you're unavailable, and set up autoresponders for longer periods of unavailability.

Set boundaries

It's time to draw a line in the sand and establish some ground rules. Communicate your work schedule and expectations to your household with unwavering clarity. Let them know when you need uninterrupted focus and when you're open for interaction. This sets the stage for a harmonious coexistence and improves your productivity. My spouse and I review our calendars at least once a week.

Transition in and out

Find rituals that help you mentally shift to or from work mode. In German, the word for such an afternoon transition is Feierabend. I kickstart my workday with a walk while listening to work-related podcasts, fueling my mind with big picture work insights. Then, I review my work journal entry from the end of the previous day and plan my day. I end the work day by writing a journal entry to capture my ideas plus next steps and check my calendars for the next day. When I do this, I can clear my mind of work considerations knowing I can return where I left off the next working day. With transition rituals that make sense for your work and life, you can conquer each workday too.

Dedicate "me time"

While juggling work responsibilities and personal commitments, focus on self-care. Set aside a dedicated slot each day for "me time" to recharge and rejuvenate. It could be reading a book, taking a soothing bath, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in a hobby you love.

I hope one or more of these tips will help you reclaim your work-life balance during these uncertain times and I would welcome you share your suggestions on Mastodon with me. Cheers!