The global spread of COVID-19 is keeping people at home. Everyone who works remotely has to figure out when to work, where to work, and how to create boundaries between work and personal life. Work-life balance is super important when work and life happen in the same place, often at the same time.

Obviously, there are benefits to working from home, such as reduced travel time, spending less time on preparations, savings on gas/tickets and meals. Unfortunately, there can be distractions, though. The laundry needs to be done. Your neighbour has to cut the lawn at noon. Your dog wants out. Your children don't quite understand the concept that working at home is still working. Your back is crying out for a better chair than the kitchen one.

Like everyone, you need to figure out what works best for you. Sometimes the answer is clear, but other times you might need some inspiration or advice from other people who has similar experiences.

Find out some tips on how to manage the most common distractions:

1. Don’t hesitate to ask for what you need. It’s extremely important to request the equipment you need to get your job done, including a comfortable office chair, mouse, keyboard, monitor.
2. Set up the workspace. Try to find a designated place to work, try to avoid working from bed, on the sofa, or other places which have a different purpose.
3. Start and end your workday with a routine. Create habits that signal the start and end of your work. It can be a morning/evening walk with your dog, workout at the same hour every day. Something as simple as shutting down your computer and turning on your favourite Netflix series. Whatever you choose, do it consistently to mark the start and end of your workday.
4. Take breaks. Know the company’s policy on break times and take them in their entirety.
5. Take sick days. When you’re not feeling well take sick leave when it’s possible. Sometimes it's better to rest and recover so that you can be much more productive in the long term.
6. Leave home. When it’s allowed and safe during Covid-19, get out of the house. Your body needs to move. Additionally, the fresh air and natural daylight make you feel better.
7. Set strict rules with other people in your space. Working from home is still working. You cannot take all of the home duties by default just because you’re home. Your productivity may suffer, your working hours may extent.

ALK HR Team creates space to share employees’ experiences. There are tips and tricks for working from home and for free time during the lockdown. You will also find there some articles about how to work effectively from home, recommended applications which can help to organize your workday.