Could bringing work home ever be fine?
MANILA, Philippines – There are obvious reasons why bringing work home is perceived by many as a no-no. For one, you become more prone to burnout. Your time with the special people in your life also gets compromised. And bringing home some work can also mean that you’re not efficient enough when you’re at the workplace.
But there are times when it’s just impossible to finish everything within an eight-hour workday. Deadlines are fast approaching. You’re pressured by your boss to finish an urgent task. You have a full plate because you’re in charge of an important project. A crisis needs to be managed. You got sick for a week and work just piled up when you came back.
When it’s inevitable to take some work home, don’t be more stressed than you already are. And don’t feel too guilty. Here are some quick tips on how you can work at home without making too many compromises on your me-time, relationships and time management.
1. Don’t take all the work home.
Before leaving the office, review your task list and mark the ones that need immediate attention. You can bring these tasks home but leave the rest for tomorrow. Don’t spend the whole night trying to finish everything. You still need to get enough rest and spend some time for yourself or with your family or special someone (which leads us to the next point).
2. Make time for relationships.
You need to set a specific time or day for spending quality time with your loved ones, especially if bringing work home is becoming unavoidably frequent. And make sure you will entertain no work-related matters during that precious time.
3. Create a nice workspace at home.
But when the going gets tough, it helps a lot if you have a nice space at home to reinforce concentration and keep the fire burning. To help you get work done faster at home (so you can still sleep and recharge for the next day), consider carving out a space that’s conducive for working. Let it be a comfortable place where you can focus and be more creative.
This is also a great idea if you’re keeping a home-based job and starting to feel the so-called cabin fever or the anxiety that springs from being just in your house every day.
Here’s something interesting: There’s arising Megaworld residential condominium in Makati City called The Ellis where one of the modern amenities will be the CoLAB Shared Spaces, its own co-working space where residents can simply walk in, grab a cup of coffee, plug in their laptops, work peacefully, and expand their network with like-minded individuals. That means a cozy space for working is already provided right where you live.
Other modern amenities include The Town Hall where you can hold casual gatherings, galas, acoustic sessions and other events. There will also be Pause and Play Room where you can enjoy classic board games, foosball, hammocks, and more anytime you want.
With an extraordinary residence like this, working at home might not be a bad idea at all.
So, the next time you’re left with no choice but to bring some work home, be wiser. Remember the tips shared above. Set smart boundaries. Manage your time well. Work might be demanding at times, but you can still have fun with it, as long as you turn it to your advantage.
READ MORE:
Why moving closer to work can work for you
Why Makati is a walkable city you should live in
