COVID-19 regulations continue to impact education systems across the globe, causing many schools to have transitioned to a remote classroom environment. Now, parents and caregivers are expected to give additional support to students during the day.
Whether you’re working from a one-bedroom apartment, juggling young children, or attempting to help your 16-year-old with chemistry homework, balancing it all can be a challenge. It’s no secret that as stay-at-home orders continue, many parents find themselves trying to balance their child’s education and wellbeing with an 8-hour workday. As members of the Gartner teamwork to adapt to this new normal, we’ve asked them to share their tips for balancing family time with their work. See what they had to say below.
“It’s important to work out a schedule so that you understand when you may need to step up and make sure your child is being taken care of. I’ve learned the hard way that trying to do too much at once won’t make you a productive parent or employee. It’s okay to prioritize one over the other when you need to. I’ve made some smart scheduling adjustments to make sure I have some free time in my day – whether it’s moving my lunch break up in the day or starting my morning calls a little bit earlier, I’ve found a good balance.” – Eugene Wong, Team Lead, Recruiting, Singapore
“Being the only one at home with my 3-year-old, it can be hard to balance it all, but having a set routine is helpful. I made sure to set aside a place that is my “workspace” and a play area for my son so that he has plenty to do while I’m on a call. During my free time, I’ll take some time to play with him, have a snack or do music time. It’s important to remember that right now, we’re all in the same boat. A child, a dog, or a car horn is likely to interrupt a call these days, and that’s okay. Pro tip: Hit the mute button when you need to!” – Jamilee Delgado, Client Relationship Associate, Fort Myers, Florida
“I try to take a break during the day to spend some time together doing something that’s not school or work-related. During these times, it’s hard to forget that we have lives outside of these things and I want to make sure we’re able to connect as a family, even if it’s just for 20 to 30 minutes.” – Oksana Allman, Director, Research & Advisory, Stamford, Connecticut
“Self-care is key – especially when you’re trying to juggle being a quality employee and parent. For me, nutrition is at the heart of self-care. I actually block time in my calendar for 2-3 meals a day, even if it’s just 15 minutes. Fuel your body and mind – use this time to take a breather and meditate. It will keep you calm and give you the energy you need to pick up right where things left off.” – Twinkle Gupta, GVP, Product & Services, Stamford, Connecticut
“Like many people who are working from home, I’ve been juggling so many different priorities that it’s been difficult to be a good mom, wife, daughter, sister, leader, and peer at work. To try and manage my time effectively, I’ve created a set routine that allows me to balance family time with my workday. Believe it or not, it actually takes much for discipline to keep to this structure, but it’s all about making it a habit. If you set aside the time and stick to your commitment, you don’t have to compromise on quality.” – Fiona Kim, Senior Client Partner Manager, Singapore
If you’re working remotely and still trying to find the right balance, know that you’re not alone. We’re right there with you learning as we go. Some days, you’ve got it down pat, everything goes off without a hitch. And some days, you really just need to hit the ‘mute’ button for a little while.
At Gartner, we recognize that our associates are at their personal and professional best when they are happy and healthy. As a member of our growing team, you’ll have access to generous benefits from your first day on the job. Learn more about life at Gartner here.