Setting Work-At-Home Boundaries

Last Updated on January 20, 2024 by Work In My Pajamas

Working from home can make you more productive. Whether you do it full-time or just a few days a week, working outside the office means fewer distractions from colleagues, less involvement in office gossip and politics, and fewer of the daily office disruptions.

Still, there are a variety of home distractions that can sap your productivity. Unless you set up boundaries it’s easy to put off work and instead tend to housework, errands, kids needs, catching up on DVR’d shows and perhaps, even over-embracing the notion that you have unlimited flexibility.

So, it’s really important to set up rules for yourself and those around you.

I Am Working Here!

I can’t even count how many times I have been called upon by friends to help out with something (ride to the airport, pick up something for them at the store, babysitting, etc.) in the middle of my work day. If I’m not on deadline or have no scheduled meetings, I’m glad to lend a hand. However,  it needs to be my choice and I often have to remind myself that it’s acceptable to say no without having to justify my response.

Here’s an example of a typical conversation with one particular friend:

Friend: I was thinking that you could give me a ride to an appointment so that I don’t have to take two buses.

Me: I can’t do it today. I have a lot of work. Can’t you call Joe?

Friend: No. He’s working.

Me: Well, so am I.

Friend: But you can just help me out now and then work tonight.

It May Not Look Like I’m Working, But I Really Am

Health experts say that you should get out of your office chair and walk around every 20 minutes or so to prevent muscle stress and get circulation flowing. But When you live with someone or have kids, once you’re out of that office chair or roam outside the office they think you are available to them.

Often I get up empty the dishwasher, gather recycling or do some household task that requires absolutely no thought. But am still thinking about work – maybe how to solve a specific problem or the wording for an email I need to send or plotting out an article in my head.

So, yes, I may not look like I am working, but I am.

Setting Boundaries with Others

Communicate Your Work Schedule

Let friends and family know what hours you work. Those work hours can vary, if you choose, but letting others know that you have a set schedule should prevent them from trying to access you and your time during those periods.

Limit Social Calls During Work Hours

If you are calling friends to chat and catch up during the work day that sends a signal that you are not working. They will come to believe that you are also available for them to call and chat whenever. That can quickly get out of hand.

Have a Dedicated Work Space

By having a home office that is away from the rest of the family, you can establish your own space. If it’s a room with a door that’s even better. Close the door and let anyone who is home when you’re working know that they should always knock first to enter – and they better have a good reason for the disruption..

Set Clear Rules

If you want to break for lunch or when your kids come home from school, great! If you stop working to pick up your kids, fine. But if not, make it clear that you are not to be disturbed during certain hours and they shouldn’t be bursting in every five minutes minutes to let you know that they ate the last apple or that their brother dropped yogurt on the counter. Tell those you live with what the rules are and stick to them.

Boundaries For Yourself

Stick to a Schedule

Your schedule can vary day-to-day based on your lifestyle. Maybe you have to stop working early every Tuesday to get the kids to a class or sports practice. That okay. But you will be much more productive if you know that you only have certain hours in which to accomplish tasks. Of course, every now and again, you might have to run out for a personal appointment, but try and start working at the same time each day and wrap it up at the same time daily.

Limit Household Tasks

It’s easy to get sucked into cleaning or errands and procrastinate on the work stuff. Sure throwing in a load of laundry while you’re working is a work -at-home perk, but don’t spend hours on things that distract you from your job. I try to tidy up at night so that I won’t be tempted to vacuum or fold laundry when I should be getting out the latest report that is due.

Treat Working at Home Like A Job

I used to go to an office everyday. I set an alarm, showered, got dressed and showed up ready to work. Another perk of working at home is that you can be a more lax about what you wear. But I find that showering each morning at the same time, wearing comfortable but presentable clothes and shoes (no one goes to an office barefoot) makes me feel more ready to tackle the day. On the days that I get lazy and skip that routine, I am less productive. And just like an office job, I also create a do-to the list the night before, so I am ready to work at the appointed time and accomplish as much as I can.