Many people had to adjust from working in an office to working from their kitchen tables during the pandemic, and although people might have enjoyed working from home, it hasn’t always been easy. Not only was the feeling of cabin fever creeping in during lockdowns, but if you were a parent, trying to share your living space and your workspace with the kids could be even more challenging. While some people have returned to the office now, there are a lot of companies that have chosen to keep their employees working remotely as this appears to work better for them.

If this is the situation you find yourself in as a parent, but you are still struggling to find a good work/life balance when you’re working from home, here are some suggestions that could help you improve this.

Start Using a Shared Workspace

A good way to help you keep your work and home lives separate are by using a shared workspace. Even if your employer doesn’t want or need you in the office anymore, that doesn’t mean you can’t still benefit from being in a more traditional workspace to help you focus. This is also useful for freelancers who would like to be in a more professional environment during their working hours. You can find serviced office space to rent for a small company if you are in charge of a start-up, or use a shared office if you’re a solo worker who is just looking for suitable surroundings to complete your daily tasks.

If you can’t use a shared workspace, then make sure you have created an area at home that you can use as your office that is free from distractions and comfortable. Select a space, and fill it strategically with newly purchased chairs, desks, stationery, and anything else you might need. You can even find whiteboards in Melbourne (if that is where you live) and add those to your home office and use it for presentations or ideation.

Create a Workspace in the House

Creating a dedicated home office space can be a game-changer for those who prefer privacy and convenience when working from home. The first step is to identify a suitable room or area in your home that can be repurposed as your home office. This could be a spare bedroom, a corner of the living room, or even a section of a larger room. Once you’ve chosen your workspace, it’s time to declutter and optimize the area for productivity. Start by assessing the existing belongings in the room and determining which ones still serve a purpose. Items that are no longer needed or useful should be discarded to clear space and minimize distractions. Renting a dumpster from a company that offers residential junk removal products can be a practical solution for efficiently disposing of unwanted items and decluttering your workspace.

Next, invest in ergonomic furnishings to enhance comfort and support during long work hours. This includes a comfortable chair with proper lumbar support, a spacious desk with ample surface area for tasks and storage, and functional cabinets or shelves to organize paperwork and office supplies. Lighting is another essential aspect of a productive home office. Incorporate task lighting such as desk lamps or adjustable overhead lights to illuminate your workspace effectively. Natural light is also beneficial, so if possible, position your desk near a window to enjoy the benefits of daylight while working.

To personalize your home office and keep yourself motivated, consider adding decorative elements such as motivational quotes or inspiring artwork. These touches can help create a positive and uplifting atmosphere that encourages focus and productivity.

Switch Off at the End of the Day

When you are working from home, it isn’t always easy to clock off like you would if you had to head into an office every day. However, you must do this so that you can keep a healthy work-life balance. If you need to, switch off your phone, put it on silent, or turn off notifications for your emails or group chats for work at the end of the day. This can help you avoid working overtime or worrying about work when you’re supposed to be on your time.

Bonus Tip: Get Out More

It’s good to get out of the house, and this is especially true if your living space is also your workspace. Going for a quick walk on your lunch break or when you finish your work for the day can be an excellent way to enjoy some fresh air, get some exercise, and decompress from your work day. You could even take the kids to the park or get them to enjoy the walk with you if you want to clock in some more quality time with them, too.

If you’re a parent who works from home either all the time or for the majority of the time, consider these tips and see if they can help you feel better and manage your work-life balance more effectively.