How to be Successful While Working from Home this Holiday Season

While a vaccination and a promise to return to normalcy are in sight, we still need to get through this holiday season during a pandemic.  While you are likely already used to the technology for a remote holiday experience, this holiday season could present some unforeseen hiccups with a work from home environment. Here are some tips to help you get through the holidays while working from home this year.

1. Plan ahead. You may have kids at home, or other additional responsibilities over the holidays. Make sure to plan ahead, and set aside time for your personal obligations that may come up during your workday. Plan whether or not you need to take time off work, or block out time on your calendar to take care of your children at home. Have a back up plan for if something unexpected comes up. Managing a work-life balance this year will be too overwhelming without a strategy in place.
2.  Communicate with your boss. Once you have a plan in place, make sure to notify your boss of any time off you may need or special allowances to take into consideration. Make sure to let your boss know if you have children at home, or if you have any other special circumstances. Leaders know that the holidays are going to be especially tough on families this year, so they should be understanding. Just make sure to ask for what you need and communicate with your boss frequently. Don’t be afraid to speak up, ask for help, and communicate your needs.
3.  Set boundaries. While your kids may be home, wanting to play, or running around the house, it’s important that you have some boundaries in place.  Let your family know your schedule, and make sure they know when they can and cannot interrupt you while you are working. Put a sign on your door when you are in a meeting and cannot be disturbed. Make sure you have access to a quiet place where you can focus, and set healthy boundaries with those who are at home with you while you work.

This holiday season will inevitably prove to be more difficult than most years to manage your work-life balance, but keep these tips in mind to help you push through.