If you often find yourself working from home, then you’ll want to shape your working environment in order to support your productivity and to limit distractions. In many cases, this might mean finding ways to keep any children entertained and as far away as possible. Whilst there is the argument that bringing kids into the office, or letting them see you working, is beneficial as it allows them to see what happens in a good workspace, there are times when working from home, you do need to concentrate and create space. A few simple tweaks can ensure the space is suitable for both parents and children alike.
Designing a Workspace That Supports Both Productivity and Parenting
Data collected late last year shows that around 22.9% of employees across the US work remotely at least some of the time. While this is a slight decline compared to the previous year, it seems undeniable that hybrid working is here to stay for many.
As such, home offices have become more common, especially for families and parents. Many parents struggle to find a balance where they can ensure they stay focused on work without compromising their child’s ability to play and explore. Keeping the office completely separate from ‘play’ areas is most beneficial, but if this isn’t feasible, try to create zones using screens so that everyone is able to concentrate on what’s in front of them.
Ergonomic Essentials for Safe and Healthy Shared Spaces
Both adults and children will benefit from the right ergonomics. There are many simple adjustments that can be made, which are suitable for all. This may mean investing in things like adjustable seating and ensuring the monitor is at a height that doesn’t promote slouching. If old enough, talk to your children about ergonomics so they can make necessary adjustments themselves when they use the workspace.
Getting the lighting correct matters too. You don’t want to be staring at a bright screen in a dark environment, as that can cause eye strain or headaches. Instead, invest in a lamp or two, and allow daylight to fill the room when possible.
Encouraging Independent Learning for Kids While You Work
One of the best ways to keep kids occupied in the office is with the help of their own tasks. Whether this is homework, extracurricular stuff, or simple tasks you’ve created to keep them distracted, it can allow you to properly focus on work.
Encourage your kids to work independently, and get them to figure out issues for themselves through the use of research or imagination (depending on the task). Of course, be there to give a hand if needed, but try not to step in as much and instead focus on your own work.
Managing Household Tech Use and Digital Safety
When working from home, it’s often best to connect to a remote access VPN in order to protect your activity and any sensitive data. A VPN helps to encrypt your data and activity, which can help deter cybercriminals and prevent them from hacking your devices.
If your children are also using computers frequently, you should teach them the importance of digital safety. This includes things such as the importance of creating strong passwords and avoiding oversharing online. Consider also implementing sensible screen time limits as well as putting in place age-appropriate restrictions.