With the rise of remote work, many moms have been able to balance fulfilling professional careers with family responsibilities from the comfort of their own homes. Opportunities like job hiring in Makati and other regions of the country have embraced this shift in the work landscape, which offers numerous benefits—including increased flexibility, reduced commuting time, and the ability to be more present for their families.
But the remote work setup for a mom also comes with its own challenges, including managing childcare during the day and getting through distractions while trying to stay productive. Fortunately, this is something that a well-outfitted home office space can fix.
If you’re a working mom who’s recently accepted a work-from-home (WFH) job, you’ll want to set up a home office that will allow you to focus on your work tasks during your designated work hours. You should also furnish the space towards enhancing your productivity and improving your work-life balance. This is what will allow you to tackle your professional responsibilities while still being available to your family when needed.
Here are some practical tips for building a home office that will be perfect for you as a remote work mom:
1) Set Aside a Dedicated Space in Your Home to Work
First, figure out which particular space in your home to designate for your work. This will help you stick to your boundaries and maintain your focus.
Ideally, choose a room or corner of your home where you can work without interruptions. If space is limited, consider using room dividers or noise-canceling headphones to create a sense of separation between your work area and the rest of your home. With a dedicated workspace, it will be easier to signal to yourself and your family that, when you’re in this space, you’re focused on work.
2) Invest in Ergonomic Home Office Furniture and Gadgets
Even in a remote work setup, your physical well-being is something you should actively watch out for. If you anticipate being WFH in the long term, don’t hesitate to invest in ergonomic furniture and gadgets. They’re designed to support your body and reduce the risk of discomfort and injury while working.
When selecting home office furniture, prioritize features like adjustable height, lumbar support, and customizable settings to ensure optimal comfort and posture. One of the best investments you can make for your WFH setup is an ergonomic office chair with a supportive backrest and adjustable armrests, as well as a desk that allows you to alternate between sitting and standing positions to reduce the strain on your body.
You should also explore ergonomic gadgets such as keyboard trays, monitor stands, and wrist rests. These should also further enhance your workspace ergonomics and productivity.
3) Implement Storage Solutions in Your Home Office
Clutter can quickly accumulate in a home office, which leads to disorganization and perhaps even decreased productivity. To keep this from happening, make sure you have storage solutions such as shelves, file cabinets, and desk organizers to keep your workspace tidy and efficient. Keeping your files organized and easily accessible will mean going about your workday more smoothly, without the added stress of searching for misplaced documents.
4) Properly Separate Your Work and Personal Files
It’s also a good idea to have separate storage for personal and work files to maintain confidentiality and streamline your workflow. Work-related documents may contain confidential or proprietary information that should be kept secure and separate from your personal files. Similarly, personal documents such as financial records or family photos should be kept private and separate from work-related materials.
5) Ensure a Strong Internet Connection
Remember that slow or unreliable internet can disrupt virtual meetings, delay project submissions, and hinder communication with colleagues and clients. A reliable internet connection is the backbone of any successful remote work setup, so as early as now, you’ll want to secure one for your home office.
To ensure smooth and uninterrupted workflow, choose an internet service provider that offers high-speed internet packages tailored to your household’s needs. You can also look for subscriptions with sufficient bandwidth to support multiple devices and activities simultaneously, such as video conferencing, file sharing, and streaming.
6) Personalize the Space
Even if you’re working remotely, your home office should reflect your personality and inspire creativity. With this in mind, don’t hesitate to decorate the space with items that bring you joy. This can help create an environment that boosts your mood and productivity throughout the day.
Opt for décor that resonates with your personal style and gets you into the mood to be your best professional self. Whether you prefer a minimalist, modern look or a cozy, eclectic vibe for your home office, select furniture, artwork, and accessories that make you feel comfortable and inspired. Consider incorporating elements that reflect your interests as well, such as travel souvenirs, artwork from your favorite artist, or motivational quotes that resonate with you.
Adding plants and greenery to your home office can also breathe life into the space and make it feel less stressful to work in. Some examples of low-maintenance plants that thrive indoors include succulents, pothos, or snake plants. Place them strategically throughout your workspace to add visual interest and color to the room.
7) Create a Kid-Friendly Zone Within Your Home Office
As a work-from-home mom, you may still need to be hands-on with your childcare. Designating a kid-friendly zone within your home office can help you attend to your professional responsibilities while still being able to keep an eye on your kids.
You can set up a designated play area with toys, books, and activities to keep your children entertained while you work. At the same time, however, establish clear boundaries and rules to ensure safety and minimize interruptions, and communicate with your children about when it’s appropriate to approach you for assistance or attention.
Consider the recommendations above to engineer a remote work environment that perfectly supports both your professional and family life. Take joy in the act of customizing your home office for life as a working mom, and remember to prioritize your well-being and happiness along the way.