How To Work From Home With A House Full Of People

Are you working from home with a house full of people? For many of us our living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms have become crowded offices for remote work and students of all ages.

Are you experiencing chaos and feeling the stress? Know you are not alone… and know we will all get through this. As someone who helps organizations with leadership, motivation, generational differences and time management I can assure you there are ways to be effective at work, kind to your family and minimize stress.

Lets take a look.

Give Yourself A Break / Give Everyone A Break

First thing I want you to do is give yourself a break… cut yourself some slack. You are going through something that is difficult and it’s taking a toll on all of us. A new Angus Reid survey showed that 50% of Canadians say their mental health is worse since COVID-19. And if you are a woman, you will not be surprised to find that women are most likely to be impacted due to increased stress working from home while also caring for children, partners the household and potentially parents.

That said, everyone in your home is having their schedule and routine completely messed up. And likely everyones physical activity level is down which might mean a bit more unused energy to go along with some of that shared frustration.

My recommendation is to make sure you find some alone time and make sure you find time to get some fresh air and exercise. I don’t mean run a 10K, but I do recommend going for a walk twice a day – either alone or with someone you (still), like. 

Come Up With A Plan And Communicate Intentions

Like at work, the best plans are designed with input from everyone. So, have a group discussion. That said, as the leader you need to set the goals and general structure (see below). But talk with everyone about how to implement the recommendations I’m sharing here. 

Once you have everyone’s agreement, I recommend putting it in writing. Then, share this document to everyone in the house. In addition, you know the best leaders communicate expectations frequently and in many ways because different people absorb information differently. So, do the same at home with your family regarding the expectations everyone needs to support.

After some time with the plan, revisit. Work has changed – their schoolwork has changed. You are all getting used to different things. You may all have ideas how to make things better. Be the great leader who shows flexibility and great listening skills… just like you do with your team at work.

At Home Create Work-Free / School-Free Space

Everyone needs to have a safe place. Perhaps it is everyone’s bedroom. Perhaps it’s the family room. Try not to make it the kitchen – because your fridge and pantry will be calling the whole time.

Whatever works for the household – hold that rule true. That includes no checking your work smartphone and answering email at 10PM while watching a movie.

This space should be a place of fun and rest. Watch movies, do family puzzles, play games, join in on online-painting or sign-along groups. As a family, try to get everyone in here once a day to do some fun group creative activity.

Everyone Has A Desk

Especially working adults need a dedicated desk that they can go to and get away from. 99% of us are going to be most effective if we are at an office-like desk. Having your own space will help you get into a routine and create an environment where you will be least distracted (especially if you are easily distracted).

Kids will do what they want anyway, so let them do what they need. My only recommendation is to not do work or schoolwork in bed. Your body and mind needs to think of your bed as a sanctuary of sleep and low stress – not a place where work is done.

Schedule Time To Help Your Kids

Your kids are at home but their schoolwork still exists. Kids are used to a school routine so try to keep one for them while they are at home. And, know that most of us are at our best after we get a good night sleep – which means we are at our best after we wake up and for about the next six hours.

If you have kids at home, try to get a few hours of work in before they get up which might be easy to do (and really helpful), because kids like to sleep in. Then, work with them for a few hours on their schoolwork. Give them a break where they can play games and let you get a few more hours in at the office.

If you are a two-parent family, find a routine where you can tag-team and share this responsibility. It will be good for your relationship with your kids and give your kids some variability as well which is healthy for them. 

In the end, my advice is just an idea. Do what works for your family.

Schedule Breaks

Most people who work from home often work more – not less. They don’t take the breaks they normally would have at work going for coffee or going for lunch. Even the break of walking to a meeting and informal chats with a coworkers are gone. The thing is, these breaks are important for our mental health and our creativity.

My suggestion is when you take a break, do exactly that! Don’t do things that are ‘work’ to you, so if you don’t enjoy doing laundry (and I know some of you do), don’t do that. Instead, put down work and have a cup of tea, take a walk or do something else you enjoy and helps you relax.

And when you can, promote this concept with your co-workers who are also working from home and need a reminder to take a break, especially if you are their leader.

Schedule Your End Of Day

As I mentioned above, people who work from home during times of isolation often work too much. Your body and brain really do need a break, so set quitting times for you and your family to establish boundaries and a routine. A routine will help you and will be even more important for your kids who are used to a routine when they are at school.

Conclusion

Like I said above, avoid judging yourself – or others – on what you can get done each day. All of us are adjusting to a new normal, including your coworker and your kids. Most of all, protect your health.

Thanks for reading about how to work from home with a house full of people.

If i can help you in any way, please let me know. Click HERE to link to my professional development website.

Bruce

About Bruce and Bruce Mayhew Consulting.

Bruce is Corporate Trainer and Executive Coach.

As a Corporate Trainer Bruce Mayhew (of BMC) specialize in customized Time Management Training, Email Etiquette Training, Leadership & New Leadership Development, Generational Differences and other soft skills training solutions in Toronto and across Canada. Bruce is also an Executive Coach to a few select clients.

BMC helps your greatest assets think productive and be productive.

Bruce is an experienced motivational speaker in Toronto and has inspired audiences across Canada and within the USA and the UK. Bruce works hard to always make sure your training event, conference, retreat, or annual general meeting is a success.