How to Work from Home When You Have Kids

For many working parents and for the organizations that employ them, remote work is a go-to move for increasing work/life balance, productivity, and retention. But it comes with a number of challenges — particularly at the personal level. How do you avoid the perception, particularly amongst more senior or traditionally-minded colleagues, that you’re taking the easy path or have chosen the “parent track”? How do you establish constructive workplace relationships with people you see infrequently? How do avoid the distractions and interruptions that can compromise your performance? Savvy working parents know that it takes more than a home office to make remote work work for their organizations, careers, and families: It takes conscious effort and some specific, effective tactics — such as getting smarter about how you allocate your time, how you sell your boss, and how you manage the kids when you’re working. Working remotely is a distinct professional skill. As with any other professional skill — like public speaking, or negotiations, or financial analysis — it’s built over time, and through experience, personal reflection, desire for continual improvement, and a lot of hard work. And for any working parent who wants to drive organizational performance, succeed on the job, and raise terrific kids, it’s a skill well worth developing.