Making Working from Home Effective

A full household. Oppositional kids. Working remotely can be challenging. As our office unites with our personal space, the function of the home changes. Consequently, we need systems that support new conditions. This expert talk shows us how an EQ mindset can design efficient workspaces. We maintain the comfort of home, use higher-level thinking to restructure, and emotional intelligence to bring synergy to its tribe.

So, how can EQ skills design a functional home office?

1.)Rethink the home system

Uncertainty invites chaos. Consider shifts in order, schedules, and relationship dynamics to create a foundation for restructuring. If the premise of control has changed, perhaps we need more effective structures of authority? New divisions of tasks could be assigned by individual strengths. Fluid expectations, higher-level thinking, and diplomacy allow us to problem solve and create competent designs. Our ultimate goal: a safe and happy home.

2.)Incorporate behavioral maturity

Micro-aggressions in closed environments are a recipe for conflict. It’s important to review our impact on others. Engage in active listening and look for non-verbal cues. Avoid blame and reduce assumptions. Are we approaching situations with bias? Try to increase awareness and communicate better. Our own behavior is seen by others and can cascade. Everyone knows that bad atmospheres derail focus and productivity!

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3.)Have a research day

Identify distractions and the actual time they took away from you. Rather than assuming, collect data about time-wasters via helicopter thinking. Write them down and treat them as facts. This information lets us know which areas we need to modify.

4.) Manage expectations

Yes, we might have a to-do list, but we should be realistic about cohabitation. Curb stress by adjusting expectations. Whether it’s our partner, children, or dog - new life situations call for new mindsets. What kind of language do we use? “I should”, or “I must” statements are very fixed and put pressure on our surroundings. Perhaps you could relax these to “possible” or “maybe” during quarantine.

5.) Incorporate flexibility

Incorporate flexibility into your repertoire. Take responsibility for managing and controlling what you can. Remodel your daily program if necessary. For example, you could get up earlier when the children are asleep and rest in the afternoon. Search for new spaces that minimize disruptions. Always be prepared to change course for the greater good.

6.) Self-care

Self-care in cabin fever improves outlook. It allows us to work smarter, boost focus, and avoid decision fatigue. Designate a time-out area. Have fun, inspire, and look after yourself there. Nix loneliness by creating community. Perhaps you could meet for a facetime coffee if you feel isolated? Our home should also be a safe place to voice our emotions. Learn to self-disclose when you need space or quiet-time. You could list a set of emotions on the fridge that others can point to like a happy and sad model, to sidestep conflict. Learn which tools help you emotionally regulate.

Explore Bookboon’s Expert Talks audio series and soundscape your home office with feel-good podcasts. Bookboon Learning is a fully branded, plug-and-play online learning platform that covers subjects such as leadership, personal development, and management. We are currently focusing on topics such as 'Working from Home,' 'Staying Positive,' 'Managing Virtual Teams,' and 'Resilience.'

We can be fully operational for your team in a matter of days.