address later.” Save non-linear work such as answering emails for times when you’re watching your children and can be more easily distracted, adds Haiis. Enjoy Your Kids Figuring out how to make the best of the situation, rather than dwelling on its challenges, might also make you more productive. Multiple studies show the positive link between happiness and productivity. Under lockdown that could mean sneaking in an online yoga class with your child, finding time to play catch or giving children a couple of extra hugs throughout the day. “Working adults with children have been gifted a rare opportunity to take a break and experience recess and playtime with their kids – and it too will pass,” says Haiis. Avoid judging yourself – or others – on what you can get done each day. People at all levels of a company are adjusting to a new normal, including your boss. And while Sir Isaac Newton’s quarantine during the plague was undoubtedly more productive than yours, don’t give up just because you haven’t discovered your own version of the theory of gravity. Just tucking your cranky colleagues into bed each night is an accomplishment. And it should feel like it. n
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more equally shared between the genders in recent decades, women still take on the bulk of managing children’s schedules and activities, even if both spouses work, and also perform more of the cognitive labour associated with keeping a household running (often known as the mental load). The study showed that when men and women in full- time work have flexible schedules, like working from home, only women expect to use the flexibility to meet additional demands at home, while men may “use it as high-performance strategy, rather than as a mean to combine different life domains”. A discussion between spouses about how tasks and time are shared during the coronavirus lockdown may well be a good investment. And despite exhortations on social media to use this time at home to be more creative or finish that special project, set realistic goals for both the home and work parts of your life, and don’t be afraid to let things that matter less slide. If you need to be available for your children throughout the day, focus on your most important tasks and don’t overload your own schedule, says Ellen Faye, a productivity coach from Naples, Florida in the US. “Identify your priorities with your work and focus on getting the essentials taken care of – all the unimportant stuff will be there for you to
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The Business Review | September 2020
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