Tips to Solve the Most Common Dilemmas When Working from Home

Working from home has become increasingly popular, offering both employers and employees amazing benefits. With the flexibility to set your own schedule and the comfort of being close to family, remote work has become a major trend. However, despite the advantages, remote workers still face unique challenges. Technology plays a vital role in the success of home-based jobs, as many positions—like web developers, writers, programmers, and customer service representatives—rely on a stable internet connection and digital tools.

Working from Home: Key Stats and Insights

According to a 2017 Benefits Canada post, nearly 47% of Canadian employees worked remotely. The report revealed that 39% of respondents worked primarily from home, while 11% worked exclusively from home. The COVID-19 pandemic caused this number to surge. CTV News reported that, during the lockdowns, 40% of Canadian workers found themselves working from home, compared to less than 10% in 2018.

Another article from Regus Magazine noted that flexibility is a key element in maintaining a work-life balance while working remotely. A study found that 79% of employees with a flexible work schedule were satisfied with their work-life balance, compared to 73% of those with rigid schedules.

Common Work-from-Home Dilemmas (and How to Solve Them)

Even though remote work offers many benefits, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Here’s a rundown of common work-from-home dilemmas and practical solutions for each.

1. Working at Home with Children Can Be Challenging

Remote workers with children know how hard it can be to maintain focus during work hours. Imagine being in the middle of a Zoom meeting and suddenly hearing your kids running, shouting, or crying in the background. Not only is it distracting for you, but it can be embarrassing for the whole team.

How to Solve It:

• Create a dedicated workspace that allows for privacy. A separate room or area with a door can be ideal.

• Lock the door during meetings, or put up a “Do Not Disturb” sign so everyone knows when you’re unavailable.

• Coordinate your work schedule with family members to reduce interruptions during critical work hours.

2. Keeping Your Workstation Organized

At the office, there's a sense of structure and discipline regarding workspace organization. However, working from home can sometimes lead to disorganization as you’re free to design your own workspace. But neglecting to maintain an organized workstation can lead to physical and mental stress.

How to Solve It:

• Invest in ergonomic furniture, like a standing desk or an ergonomic chair with lumbar support, to avoid back and neck pain.

• Keep your desk clutter-free. Organize it with ergonomic accessories such as a vertical mouse, keyboard trays, and a monitor stand.

• Set up a time for breaks to get up, stretch, and reduce the risks of a sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders and cardiovascular diseases.

3. Staying Focused Amid Distractions

At home, it can be tempting to multitask—whether it’s doing laundry, preparing meals, or tending to household chores. Such distractions can significantly reduce your productivity, affecting work quality.

How to Solve It:

• Establish a clear schedule. Separate work hours from household chores and stick to the plan.

• Communicate with family members about your work schedule so they understand when to avoid distractions.

• Create a dedicated space for work to mentally separate your personal and professional lives.

4. Struggling with Boundaries

When you work from home, it can be hard for friends and family to understand that you’re not "always available." You may receive invitations to social events or sudden requests for help, which can interfere with your productivity and deadlines.

How to Solve It:

• Set clear boundaries with family and friends. Politely let them know when you can and cannot be interrupted.

• Communicate your schedule with them so they understand when you’re working and when you’re free.

• Practice the art of saying "No" to invitations or requests that conflict with your work commitments.

5. Dealing with Technology Issues

No matter how advanced technology becomes, technical issues still arise. Slow internet, connection drops, or power outages can disrupt your productivity and cause unnecessary stress.

How to Solve It:

• Choose a reliable internet provider with a plan that suits your needs. Always have a backup internet source like a portable hotspot.

• Invest in an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) or a generator for power backup during brownouts.

• Keep your devices updated and secure to prevent software issues that could slow down your work.

6. Lack of Communication

While face-to-face communication is a given in office settings, remote work can sometimes make it difficult to get timely feedback or resolve urgent issues. If you’re struggling to reach someone or find answers, your productivity may suffer.

How to Solve It:

• Use project management tools like Slack, Trello, or Asana to communicate with your team and track your tasks.

• Set regular virtual meetings to ensure everyone stays updated and on the same page.

• Turn on notifications to ensure that no message or update goes unnoticed.

7. Procrastination

The comfort of working from home can sometimes lead to procrastination. It’s easy to convince yourself that you have time later, only to find yourself rushing through tasks as the deadline approaches.

How to Solve It:

• Set daily goals and prioritize tasks based on urgency.

• Turn off social media notifications to avoid distractions.

• Use time-management techniques, like the Pomodoro Technique, to stay focused and avoid procrastination.

8. Struggling to Maintain Work-Life Balance

Without a clear boundary between your personal and professional life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when you're faced with back-to-back deadlines. Achieving work-life balance becomes even more challenging when you're working from home.

How to Solve It:

• Set a work schedule and stick to it. Avoid working overtime unless absolutely necessary.

• Prioritize self-care. Schedule regular breaks and leisure time to recharge.

• Take time off when needed and engage in personal hobbies or activities that help you relax.

Final Thoughts

Working from home offers unparalleled flexibility and convenience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. By recognizing these common dilemmas and implementing the solutions provided, you can overcome obstacles and maintain your productivity. With the right balance, working remotely can be an incredibly fulfilling experience, benefiting both your personal and professional life.