WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW:
SUBSCRIBE TO MAGAZINE
Exhibiting &
Event Topics
EXHIBITOR
Magazine
Find It
Marketplace
EXHIBITOR
LIVE
EXHIBITOR
Education Week
EXHIBITOR
eTrak
CTSM
Certification
EXHIBITOR
Insight
EXHIBITOR
Awards
News
Network
Advertise
With Us
Topics
Research
& Resources
Editorial
Commentary
Trade Show
History
Plan B
Ideas
That Work
Trade Show
Video
New
Tools
Research
Ask
Dan
Special
Projects
Glossary
of Terms
Trade Show
Trends
exhibitor q&a
Ask Dan
Q.
Because of COVID-19, I'm working remotely from home. My family frequently interrupts me because I'm not technically in the office. How can I curtail this?

A.
Home is where the heart is – and where the interruptions are, too. So if you're working from there, it's important to set ground rules.

First, however, be sure you have a dedicated office space whose location doesn't change. That is, avoid working, even temporarily, in other spaces, such as the kitchen, since that might be interpreted by family members as an invitation to engage you.

Second, if you have children old enough to be mostly unsupervised, set up your work schedule and review it with them. Emphasize that they should treat those times just as if you were in your regular office. Moreover, try to keep those hours consistent so they become accustomed to respecting that time but will know you'll be available afterward. Next, when appropriate, assign your children homework, chores, and other activities to keep them occupied while you're working.

Last, if your children require more direct supervision, you could consider splitting working/supervising times with a spouse or partner, or using any still-operating daycare to look after the kids during your work hours. If such help isn't readily available, your best recourse is to work around their napping and sleeping time as much as possible. Just be sure to alert your supervisors and staff so they know you might not be available during certain hours in this extremely trying, but hopefully temporary, time. E



Dan Lumpkin, organizational psychologist, is the president of management-consulting company Lumpkin & Associates in Fairhope, AL. Need answers? Email your career-related questions to askdan@exhibitormagazine.com.
you might also like
 
Join the EXHIBITOR Community Search the Site
TOPICS
Measurement & Budgeting
Planning & Execution
Marketing & Promotion
Events & Venues
Personal & Career
Exhibits & Experiences
International Exhibiting
Resources for Rookies
Research & Resources
MAGAZINE
Subscribe Today!
Renew Subscription
Update Address
Digital Downloads
Newsletters
Advertise
FIND IT
Exhibit & Display Producers
Products & Services
All Companies
Get Listed
EXHIBITORLIVE
Sessions
Certification
Exhibit Hall
Exhibit at the Show
Registration
ETRAK
Sessions
Certification
F.A.Q.
Registration
EDUCATION WEEK
Overview
Sessions
Hotel
Registration
CERTIFICATION
The Program
Steps to Certification
Faculty and Staff
Enroll in CTSM
Submit Quiz Answers
My CTSM
AWARDS
Sizzle Awards
Exhibit Design Awards
Portable/Modular Awards
Corporate Event Awards
Centers of Excellence
NEWS
Associations/Press
Awards
Company News
International
New Products
People
Shows & Events
Venues & Destinations
EXHIBITOR News
© Exhibitor Group | The Leader in Trade Show and Corporate Event Marketing Education PO Box 5996, Rochester, MN 55903-5996 | (507) 289-6556 | Need Help? Ask Scott