Despite the hybrid working model being in swing for a few months now, we’re still trying to find the right balance. Moira Dunne has six tips to help nurture a fulfilling work-life balance in a hybrid environment.

The hybrid working model offers great flexibility for employees and employers. However, this is a new way of working for many and will take time to settle down. We all want the best of both worlds, but how can we achieve a good work-life balance in a hybrid world?

Here are six tips to help find balance and get the most out of days at home and in-office.

Tip 1: Plan for both locations

Start by getting a hybrid working planner or using your online calendar. On the Friday before the week ahead, decide when you will travel into the office, when you will work from home and, crucially, the reason why in each case.

Do you have a meeting you must attend in person? Office day.

Do you need to do deep work with no interruptions? Home day.

Tip 2: Set weekly priorities

Having clear priorities each week will help you complete tasks and optimise your time. A planner will help you to think about the key objectives you need to deliver on each week.

This will allow you to find time for important things during a busy week and protect your time when unexpected tasks and work requests pop up.

Tip 3: Have a routine working at home

Aim to start and finish at the same time each day, whether you are in the office or at home. This will help you to kick-start each day and switch off in the evening.

Set start and stop times will also give structure to your days when working at home. Over time, your work-from-home routine will become a habit, meaning you have one less decision to make.

Tip 4: Use a shutdown checklist

Just like you make a list to start your day, you need one to shut it down.

Make a list of the tasks you need to complete in your working day. This will help clear work thoughts and separate your personal life from your work life.

Here are some ideas for these routines, but it is important to develop your own with activities that suit you.

Shutdown routine

• Recap your to-do list.
• Plan for tomorrow.
• Mute/hide work devices.
• Use a personal browser/device in the evening.

Tip 5: Reset during the day

Our energy levels go through highs and lows throughout the day. Tune into this and take control of your day by taking a reset break when you need it. Take the time to make that cup of tea or coffee. Even 60 seconds between activities will help you to reflect, recharge and reset before the next task or meeting.

Tip 6: Review and improve

This is a new way of working, so it is important to review each week and ask yourself two questions:

1. What is working?
2. What is not working?

Once you’ve answered those questions, you can decide what can be improved and how you can improve it. What can you do differently next week to make your working time more productive?

You can do this on your own, but it can also be beneficial to do it with your colleagues and team leader.

Moira Dunne is Founder of beproductive.ie.