Working from Home - Tips for Women Professionals

The Corona lock down has made lives of women even harder.  Though initially everyone thought that this is a time for relaxing and to do all pending tasks, as we progress, we realise that we are not able to finish even our routine tasks. The reason is primarily because we are not used to this kind of working at home and may be lack of family support in chores. But yes, this is a time to help each other and also bring involvement of every family member (including kids) to help with household chores. Remember, this is a great opportunity to train children and men at home to help with household chores. But at the same time, you need to have a self- discipline while working at home. 

So, here are ten tips for working from home for women professionals

1.       Follow a routine. Work at home doesn’t mean you can work as per your convenience. Do not wake up late thinking that you have time. 
2.     Make a space for you to sit comfortably and work. Ideally stay away from common family room where elders/ kids are watching TV or playing. But, stay away from Bed also. Beds are distracting as you may feel like lying down after sometime. Instruct clearly to all family members that you are “working” till lunch / evening. And you will not be available for running errands / chores. Kids may intervene in between. But you can set time for them as well and make them understand that you are working. Communicating with love but assertively is important.
3.        Finish off your kitchen works (including cooking lunch) before 9.30am just as you would do when you were going to office. Close Kitchen after a particular time and do not allow family members to keep asking for errands while you are at work.
4. .       Take bath, wear proper cloths (Pyjamas are ok. But not night dresses) . There is no harm wearing light makeup if you are going for video calls with colleagues. Remember, working at home doesn’t mean you can look bad!
5. .       Have periodic breaks from work. Every one hour of sitting, make sure you walk or do some light stretching and activities. 
6. .       Have more of Video calls and phone calls instead of texting. Since we are already separated from colleagues, its better to have interaction via video where we can see people
7. .       Before you begin your daily work, make a “To Do” list for the day. Put cross mark on it when you complete each one. It feels good!
8. .    Do not get distracted. One trouble with working from home where elders are watching TV news is that you also tend to go and watch it in between. Remember, every unwanted piece of news / information can alter your work pace. Do we watch TV News every hour while at work? No right? So, avoid watching the death ticker/ breaking news  and all those news which create panic
9. .     Finish your work by 5pm or as per office timing. Do not extend or keep working. Stick to work timings. Work from home doesn’t mean you work more than what is needed.
10.      Keep communication intact. Especially since you are working at long distance, it’s important that you update your boss / colleagues work related matters periodically and probably more frequently than you used to do when you are working together. Any issue which can be prevented shall be prevented by taking proactive measures for which communication is the key!

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