Working from home during this crisis can be a real challenge. One secret weapn is for you to manage expectations, both yours and theirs.

Managing expectations of yours and of others can be useful in coming to your new normal. Let’s face it., everything got discombobulated when you first had to work at home. And this is where managing your expectations about how you’re  going to work can be really useful for you. And sharing those plans, and knowing the plans and schedules of others can get you to your new normal faster.

Quarantine reality: You really aren’t going to be going out of the house other than for some exercise or necessary service.  You’re not going to be physically going to meetings, you’re not going to be commuting to work, you’re not going to be dialoguing physically with other people.

You have a lot of extra time as a result – no commuting, no water cooler chats. This “open space” can give you a lot of discretion. And consternation.

I like to challenge my clients with “start the way you want to finish.”

The reason is that if you are not intentional about how you structure your day you risk developing habits that may sap your time. Nobody can work eight hours straight. They need breaks and they need lunch and your dog needs to go out.

Giving it a bit of structure can minimize your stress and increase your productivity.

The first place for you to set expectations is by coming up with setting a daily plan. Plan time you’re going to start work, what, where and  how are you going to structure your day. While this can be flexible, having a daily plan or routine can help you get to work, take needed breaks, and more importantly let others know what to expect of you.

Establish a TIME to “go” to work. A time for lunch. Times for breaks. Time to leave work.

Once you have managed your own expectations about how YOU’re going to work, it’s important to encourage others to do the same. I have heard a lot of stories about household units of four and five people who are really struggling and my heart goes out to them.

One of the keys to minimizing stress is to encourage everyone in your household to come up with routines, and communicate them.

Watch our one hour webinar, Work at Home Strategies for COVID 19ers, here.

Manage your expectations. Encourage others to come up with routines. Learn their routines. Learn their expectations. Make sure everyone knows everyone’s expectations. And recognize that you will get through this – together.