Just say "No"
- It took me a really long time to learn how to do this, but it's really a huge help in terms of staying organized and keeping things balanced. Instead of saying "maybe" or "we'll see" when I'm asked to do something, I just say "no" if I'm being asked to do something I know I probably won't do. Then I'm not pressured to try to squeeze something in and the person who asked me isn't disappointed when I don't show up or don't get whatever it was done.
- —Guest Susan Ward
Work from home days
- My employer is quite generous in allowing employees to work from home up to two days per week, and allowing employees to adjust their daily schedules. Some employees come in at 8:30 and leave at 5:00 and others come in at 10 and leave at 6:30. Meetings typically occur between 10am and 4pm, and they've also set up a webinar system so that employees who are working from home can phone in and follow the meeting. This flexibility really helps working parents -- staff morale is high and staff turnover is low. There are a set of policies in place for employees who are working from home -- they need to be on instant message and available via phone. The work-from-home days can be the most productive days of all, because it's easier to concentrate without all the usual office distractions and endless meetings. These policies make it easier to balance home and work responsibilities.
- —Guest Susan
My Balance Plan
- I have worked from home for almost twenty years. Initially I struggled with "I wasn't really working" guilt if I took 10 minutes to load the washing machine etc., etc. My biggest problem was never switching off from work. Eventually with the help of a business colleague we came up with a strategy. I moved my work space from the dining room to an underused room in the house. I kept all work-related paperwork and paraphernalia in that room. I agreed that at a set time I would close the door and go back into my home (I was allowed back in momentarily as was needed but had to watch it closely). On a Friday evening, I cleared my desk, shut down the computer and effectively left my work behind. It has worked so well. I am able to balance work/life and if it is urgent I can go in and do what is necessary, just as I would have driven to the office. But, other than that I keep the two separate and I love it. I cannot envisage going back to an office.
- —ElaineLemm
Previous16-18 of 18
