Balancing Work and School During COVID-19

working from home with kids

Covid-19 has been rising across the nation, leaving most schools to decide to reopen virtually this fall while workers continue to work remotely. It may be difficult for working parents to strike a balance juggling the demands of parenting while meeting requirements at work. Managing projects and sticking to deadlines is hard enough, let alone try doing it while also tending to children who are schooling from home.

Setting boundaries is essential to be successful when schools reopen virtually.

Create a schedule to plan your days ahead of time. Write out when to start your workday, and when you can take breaks to help your child(ren) with their schooling. It will require some planning, self-discipline, and practical time management skills. The key to making back-to-school and working remote successful is to develop a support system and to set reasonable expectations with your boss, your child(ren), and educators at school. If you can, try to get a relative who is available to come over and help when needed. Putting a sign on your office door that says, “When this door is closed, Mommy/Daddy is working” is an excellent way of teaching and setting boundaries. If possible, try to schedule meetings around your child’s class breaks. Be sure to set aside time to prepare lunch and enjoy a break with your child. You need to socialize during the day and make sure your child feels important.

Sacrifices are necessary, but in the end, you will have fond memories of your family’s extra time.

Sacrifices will be made regarding how you spend your free time, but think of the time you save by not driving to work or dropping your child off. Use that extra time wisely. You also need to make sure you take care of your own needs, like getting enough rest, socialization, and spending time with other adults. This will make sure you are on the top of your game when you are needed the most.

The road ahead of you may seem daunting, but this time can also be rewarding. Despite the unfortunate nature of the circumstances, if you manage this time successfully, you will have fond memories of your family’s extra time.

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Returning to Work During COVID-19

lady with mask covering mouth and nose

 

With businesses gearing up to reopen, employers are figuring out how to navigate through this uncertain time and create a new normal for all their employees. You might be feeling excited to be getting back to work or to apply for a new job in one of the high demand industries, it’s essential to be prepared to experience some changes. 

  • Most employers are asking employees to do a temperature check before coming into the building to work. Employees are advised to stay home if they feel any hint of illness.
  • Many businesses will have restrictions on the number of patrons allowed in the building at a time, requiring masks, and asking people to maintain a safe distance of 6 feet from each other.
  • Offices may install plexiglass shields between desks, especially if the workspace is traditionally open.
  • There will possibly be fewer in-person meetings and limits to the number of employees allowed in a meeting room at a time.
  • Employees will be asked to wash their hands regularly, and gloves may be provided.
  • Cleanliness in your place of work will be a top priority, and employees may be asked to disinfect work areas thoroughly.
  • Some places of business will ask people to walk or sit in the same direction, so they are not directly facing each other.
  • Employers may ask employees to use the stairs instead of the elevator if able.
  • Some employees may come back to work in shifts so that buildings are not overcrowded, and people can maintain a safe distance.
  • Employees could be advised to enter and exit the buildings through different doors and space out times so that people can move to their workstations safely.

It’s essential to be adaptable and ready to take all necessary safety precautions when returning to work. Make sure to ask your employer what specific measures you will need to consider when you return to work and don’t be afraid to ask for necessary sanitation supplies.

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