Working From Home With Kids During The Pandemic? Cut Yourself Some Slack!

Let’s just start with this statement: this is a mom guilt free zone.

Two weeks ago I received a text message from my nanny. She couldn’t work for me anymore because her parents would not let her due to the pandemic. This was the day before she was supposed to watch my little one for two full days while my husband and I could have a couple of focused workdays. I will tell you that little message sent me into a complete panic. Why? Because I was working in a BC or “Before Corona” way. I applied expectations, schedule and responsiveness as if I were in an office (and not working from home) with all the tools and equipment needed. And without the demand of also homeschooling and taking care of children at the same time.

Are you finding yourself doing the same? It took me 2 to 3 days (let’s face it, a week) to recover from that one text message. And I realized I had to change my expectations.

Working From Home During The Pandemic

This pandemic is affecting everyone’s lives differently. Some of us are still going to a physical place every day and have struggled to get child care while having to be out of the house. And as much as I am stressed working from home with kids I can’t imagine having to get child care in the middle of a pandemic. So my heart goes out to all you moms and dads who are faced with this challenge. 

For others of us who have been asked to work from home, many are faced with limited (or zero) care for children who can’t go to school. Others are faced with caring for elderly parents. And some are in the middle of caring for both.  You might have family members on military deployment or sick in the hospital—with additional worries and responsibilities related to this pandemic. No matter what your situation, it’s important we change expectations to match the new reality.

Here are a few thoughts on how we can recalibrate expectations in the workplace (which is likely now your bedroom, living room or kitchen):

Decline Meetings

Unless you are critical to a meeting, meaning you are a key decision maker, consider politely declining. Look at your current set of meetings. If your involvement looks like a “CC” like in email, you likely don’t need to be a part of it. If it’s an update meeting, ask for the update in notes or slides, then you can slot that review when it works best for you.

Shorten Meetings

With an increasing need to be agile and reactive in this current environment, shorten meetings wherever possible. Instead of an hour, try 15 or 30 minutes, with clearly defined outcomes.   

Challenge Your Team

Here’s where your leadership counts. If you have direct reports make sure they are adjusting accordingly (see points 1 and 2). Request they be ultra-efficient in communications. Work directly with the person you may be struggling with – versus asking your boss for help navigating. Your boss has enough going on.

Break Up Your Day Across 24 Hours

Working from home (particularly with children) can be challenging – with daily homeschooling requirements. Adjust your schedule so that it works for you. For example, you may prefer working an early shift in the morning, take the middle of the day to be with family and then do a later shift at the end of the day. Business works on a global clock, so shape a schedule that works and connect with your manager to set expectations and priorities.

Allow yourself to be completely bummed out. Some days are better than others. And some days simply suck. Every day there are thousands of heart breaking stories. Some of those are completely personal or close to home. It’s ok to grieve.

More Ways To Work Differently

Flexible Schedules

For more info, see this article on the Dupont website Tips for working from home.

Short, Impactful Meetings

With an increasing need for us to be agile and reactive in this current environment, we ask everyone to shorten meetings wherever possible. Instead of an hour, try 15 or 30 minutes, with clear meeting outcomes.   

Collaboration Tools

Skype is overloaded and stressed with such a drastic increase in teleworking in industries around the world. Consider collaborating on other platforms like Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, WeChat, text or Bonfyre. To learn more about Microsoft Teams click on this link (and keep an eye open for upcoming training).

Wrapping It Up

We are in a place to make real change – perhaps changes we have been wanting to make for a long time or that we didn’t know could make. Take the opportunity to work differently in a way that works better for you so you can really pursue your most important priorities and reach your full potential. and when we get through this pandemic, there is no reason to go back to old ways that do not work anymore.