Working from home? Know when to switch off

Since time immemorial, most companies believed that working from home equals to not working at all. Without much ado, the COVID-19 pandemic proved the notion otherwise as business remained usual for millions of employees across the world. 

It was probably around the Ides of March when we most of us started working from home, it appeared like a delightful proposition, this time it was the organisation asking employees to work from home, which isn’t usually the situation. The first few weeks of working from home was a feeling nothing less an Auto Driver agreeing to go by meter. 

Now almost four months later, working from home, which once sounded like a dream-come-true, has presented bigger challenges than waking up every morning and going to office. 

We all read back in school, ‘man is a social animal’; on a usual day at the office, you are constantly interrupted for a zillion reasons be it client meetings/calls, team meetings, cake cutting, HR Training, a colleague who wants to tell you about Friday night party or a new bar few meters away from the office etc. etc. Unfortunately, when one works at a location of their choice (read home; also it isn’t a choice anymore) one can control what distracts them and that’s where the problem begins. Many may find it far more productive having control of their time, but personally, it’s been a jarring experience.  I have come to realise how much I miss the real people’s interaction. 

There is no doubt about the fact that working from home has its own benefits – you are always there to accept deliveries; you can play any kind of music, as loud as you want; you can eat at your desk. However, working from home is capable of making you feel that you can’t ever relax at home. 

I speak from experience, finding a balance between work and devoting enough time to my personal life has been tough. There is always an ongoing battle between work and home, and most of the time, work emerges victorious. It’s important to remember that your home is your home first—and your office second, and in order to have the work-life balance (as we all desire), we need to treat it that way. 

Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s 11 point programme, here are my 6 points that may help you strike a good balance between work & home – 

• Dress up before you begin work (Casual clothes are fine), else you will end up the entire day in PJs
• Try setting a schedule and sticking to it
• Inform your team about your working hours & ensure its respected 
• Take breaks – volunteer for some household chores (this will make everyone happy)
• Shun multi-tasking; don’t do your client call alongside laundry 
• Once done, switch off your computer, clear your workspace and leave your working spot

When home becomes a place of work as well, the lines between the two can be easily blurred; remember what Late Zig Ziglar, the famous author, salesman and motivational speaker, said, “I believe that being successful means having a balance of success stories across the many areas of your life. You can’t truly be considered successful in your business life if your home life is in shambles.”

The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.

Stuti Singh

I am from Patna, have been living in New Delhi for almost a decade now. I love the rains even when they are inconvenient. I am unusually honest, especially about myself. I look for stimulation.. Plays, movies, airports ..are all opportunities to watch life and I am an avid observer. I believe in creating my own fortune and believe that you can too. I like having tons to do and still appreciate an afternoon snooze. In my words, “I’m contradictory and interesting and very Me.