Contents
When you work from home, you use virtual background Teams to keep your living space private, but do you take the same care in separating your work and home life? Creating a balance between career responsibilities and personal obligations is tricky, especially when working remotely. Fortunately, you can establish barriers between the two.
Have a Dedicated Workplace
Confine your office supplies to one space and keep them there. Doing so helps you keep track of your materials while preventing projects from spilling into your living area. If you have a spare room, turn it into your home office. If you don’t, you can build physical barriers to cordon off a space for your desk:
- Bookshelves
- Room dividers
- Storage cubbies
Set Boundaries for Yourself
In an effort to be a team player, some people take on too much. Being overbooked causes stress and can negatively affect performance. Instead, get comfortable telling people no. You’re not obligated to do anything beyond your job description, and you deserve to work in a stress-free environment.
Create a Schedule
Creating a routine is one of the best ways to keep work where it belongs. Write down a workday schedule and only perform job-related tasks during that time. For example, don’t look at emails after you’ve signed off — they can wait a few hours while you relax and recharge.
Set Aside “You” Time
If you have a job that can’t be relegated to a set timeframe, then set aside personal time instead. Carve out a few hours that are all about your needs. Watch your favorite TV show or take a bubble bath — whatever makes you feel refreshed.
Prioritize Your To-Do List
How important is it to bypass Zoom virtual background requirements? Is it something you have to do today, or can it wait until tomorrow? Prioritizing your tasks ensures you don’t have to work off the clock to meet deadlines. As you create your list, consider the following:
- Does the task have a specific due date?
- Is anyone waiting on the task to be completed?
- Can the task be done over several days, or do you need to complete it in one sitting?
Automate as Much as Possible
How much time do you waste deleting useless emails? If you don’t use your workday efficiently, you may feel compelled to extend it. To combat this, automate small, tedious tasks so you can work on more important things.
Be Clear and Concise in Communications
When you send a message stating a boundary, be as clear and concise as possible. You don’t owe the recipient an explanation, and giving one will only open up your decision for debate. For example, if you decline an invitation to work overtime, you don’t have to say why you don’t want to. Just say “No, thank you,” and move on.
Between setting up Zoom Immersive View backgrounds and reading the office group chat, it’s easy to let work take over your personal time. However, getting a break is essential for your mental and physical health as well as your productivity. If you want to have a successful career and happy home life, you need to set boundaries and enforce them.
