If COVID-19 pandemic has taught us as to how to be prudent and even frugal in money matters, it has also left the majority of the working population at wit’s end to devise ways and means to strike a perfect balance between the 2 WFHs. (Work from Home vs. Work for Home).
Though one may feel that as compared to Office Scenario, pressure mounted on the people to complete the deadline is much less, the long-term impact of Work from Home on an Individual needs to be viewed seriously. True, the comfort of working from home without any external interaction or disturbances is really enjoyable but at what cost and to what extent and till what point?? Devoid of social interaction, we tend to rely on electronic gadgets more as they become our temporary source of panacea. Man is a social animal and how can he be devoid of societal interactions? These are some pertinent questions that would have risen in everyone’s mind.
However, during testing times, every course of action, path or goal needs to be reviewed and adapted according to the circumstances. We must learn to manage rather than bear with it. I repeat don’t learn to bear things rather, learn to manage things.
At present, since WFH is the buzzword for many, it is bound to have far-reaching implications on our physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. To enhance positivity on our physical, psychological, and emotional well-being, it is imperative to strike a balance between the two.
Here are 10 quick tips to balance Work from Home and Work for home
- Plan - Begin planning for 1 month, then break it into different weeks and then into days. Jot down the important deadlines. Plan the most important aspects first, then the not so urgent ones, and then the ones of least importance. Once you are comfortable with the plan, extend the same to 3 months, 6months, or 1 year.
- Create time and equip yourself with mental discipline - There are only 24 hours but if we do not waste time towards distractions like games, forward messages on electronic gadgets, we can create time for ourselves. Allowing ourselves some time calms us and increases our focus towards the task. Whether you are submitting PPT on Friday or going to get admission in a school for your child on the very same day, it is our duty to create time for both the tasks.
- Avoid tensions, arguments especially in the morning - Morning shows the day; if we are pale and gloomy, the entire day, though we are given challenging tasks, will appear insipid. It is advisable to avoid arguments, tensions, etc., especially in the morning. The best time to discuss is after dinner. Fix a conversation time daily to address major issues.
- Do not evade responsibility even if it is irritating/ disgusting - As I said before, if we learn to manage rather than bear things, evasion of responsibility will disappear soon. Encourage others to share the responsibility whether it pertains to chopping vegetables or teaching Maths to your kid.
- Learn when to say “NO”- Say no to unproductive things, tasks, and also if it is of no use to you or it robs your time or decreases your happiness. But never say “NO” and “YES” out of fear. However, think before you say “YES”.
- Delegate - When we delegate, time to finish the task becomes shorter. Why slog when we can do much better. Responsibilities at home and at the office are to be shared and delegated.
- Do not hesitate to help others and ask for help - Desperate times necessitate the need for help. So, don’t shy away from helping others in need and also in asking for help for emergency situations.
- Expect the unexpected - There is always scope for surprises. So expect the unexpected so that issues don’t escalate into problems.
- Work on a few tasks per day - Planning to complete 10 tasks a day is a wrong strategy. Rather plan for 3 tasks in a day that have to be completed at any cost. You will find peace within yourself.
- Evaluate and Review goals periodically - Analyse and critically evaluate your goals at regular intervals.
As the above suggestions are applicable for both “Work from Home” and “Work for Home”, try them and review your progress.
About the Author
U. Veena is a Practising Company Secretary. The author could be reached at veenaiyer09@gmail.com