Working from home brings a lot of flexibility, but it can also blur the line between work and family time, especially when family members don’t fully recognize the boundaries that remote work requires.
In theory, it seems like everyone understands that remote work is still “real work.” But, in practice, this understanding doesn’t always translate into everyday interactions.
Just like in that viral BBC interview, I’ve lost count of how many times a family member has barged into my workspace during work hours, asking for a quick favor or simply wanting to chat. I can imagine that it’s even harder with kids.
Despite knowing I’m “at work,” it often feels like they don’t fully grasp that my mind is occupied, and I’m not exactly “at home” during those hours. This perception can make it challenging to establish the respect and understanding we need as remote workers.
In this article, we’ll explore practical tips for setting remote work boundaries while balancing family life, so that everyone knows when you’re working and when you’re available.
Table of Contents
Unique Challenges for Remote Filipino Workers
Working from home might sound easy, but for Filipinos, the unique dynamics of our family-centered culture can turn it into a daily balancing act. We’re used to being close to our families, but sometimes a little too close when it comes to working remotely!
Here are some of the common ways remote work boundaries get blurred in a Filipino household:
- “Nasa bahay ka naman, diba?” – In Filipino households, being physically present means you’re assumed to be available. Relatives (especially older ones) might ask for a quick favor, call you for lunch, or just want to chat, thinking you can easily pause your work. To them, you’re just at home, so what’s a little interruption?
- “Ano ba yang ginagawa mo, papindot-pindot lang?” – As remote workers, we’ve all heard this one too many times. Some family members just don’t get it -they think it’s “papindot-pindot lang“, completely overlooking the skill and focus we put into our work. At first, it used to frustrate me too, but I’ve come to realize that it’s not worth getting worked up over. We can just laugh it off. It’s become one of those things we can all relate to as remote workers – kind of like an inside joke we’ve all heard at least once.
- Walang Personal Space: Kahit Busy, Pa-Disturb! Let’s be real: most of us don’t have a fancy home office with a “Do Not Disturb” sign; we’re lucky if we can even claim a corner of the dining table or a spot in the bedroom. Working in shared spaces means constant interruptions, with people passing by or even just barging in. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s the background noise – a.k.a. Filipino life in full volume. Between the blaring TV, cooking sounds, and family members chatting away, our homes are anything but quiet. Add the neighbors’ karaoke, and focus can feel like a luxury, especially when you’re in an important meeting!
Navigating these challenges isn’t always easy, but setting boundaries isn’t about shutting your family out; it’s about helping them understand the demands of remote work. With clear communication, a little patience, and a dash of humor, you can carve out a working space that respects both your family and your job.
5 Ways to Set Remote Work Boundaries in a Filipino Household
1. Share a Peek Into Your Remote Work Life
When you’re working remotely, it can feel like your family sees your job as a mystery – or worse, not a real job. But giving them a peek at what you do can open their eyes to the real effort involved.
Here’s how to make that conversation a little easier (and maybe even win them over):
- Break Down the “Pindot-Pindot” Stigma: If family members see remote work as just “pindot-pindot,” let them peek into the real effort involved. Show them your to-do list, or walk them through a recent project. You might even give them a peak at the people side of your work: point out that you’re dealing with clients, managers, or colleagues who rely on you to get things done – just like any other job.
- Address Their Worries About “Walang Benefits”: Parents often worry that remote work lacks the stability and security of a traditional job with fixed benefits. To ease these concerns, show them you’re serious about setting up your safety nets. Share how you’re actively paying into SSS, PhilHealth, and even getting your health insurance plan, plus regularly setting aside savings. This shows them that you’re thinking ahead and managing your well-being, even if some types of remote work aren’t quite as stable as an office job.
- Show You’re Taking Care of Your Health and Staying Connected: If they say, “Lagi ka lang nasa bahay,” let them know that while remote work can feel isolating, you’re taking steps to stay healthy and connected. Mention how you keep active with regular exercise breaks and make time for virtual catch-ups with coworkers or friends. This shows them that you’re mindful of both your physical and social well-being, even while working from home.
- Involve Them in Your Wins: Celebrate your wins in a way that’s meaningful but also mindful. Share the good news over a meal or a small treat – not to make every success a grand celebration, but to help them understand the hard work behind each one. They’ll start to see that your work has real hard-earned rewards, without taking it for granted.
At the end of the day, you’re not trying to sell your family on remote work, you’re just letting them in for a peek. By sharing a bit of what goes into your day, you’re helping them see that, even from home, you’re building something real. And maybe, little by little, they’ll come to appreciate this journey alongside you.
2. Communicate Clear Work Hours with Family
Think about why you chose to work from home. For me, it was about having more time for myself and with my family. However, what’s crucial is managing that time effectively.
Without clear boundaries, it’s easy for work and personal life to blur together, leading to interruptions and a lack of focus. Here’s how you can establish clear work hours and communicate effectively with your family:
- Set and Share Your Schedule: Define your work hours, such as 8 AM to 5 PM, and share them with your family. Post a calendar or schedule in a visible area like on the refrigerator or in the living room, showing when you’ll be working and when you’re available for family time or breaks. This visual cue reminds everyone of your commitment to these hours and sets expectations around availability.
- Include Family Time in Your Routine: Schedule moments in your day for family time, like merienda or dinner. This way, you’re fully present with them during these times, making it easier for everyone to respect your work hours. Building these breaks into your routine can reinforce a balance that benefits both your productivity and your family connection.
- Communicate Often: There will be times when you need to be fully focused, like during important client calls or key meetings. Let your family know in advance when these moments are coming up. These moments don’t need to be too strict, but regular communication helps your family adapt to your schedule. Remember, they’re also adjusting for you – like coordinating meal times or keeping things quieter during your important work hours. A little understanding goes both ways!
Stick to this routine consistently. When your family sees you respecting your own time and routine, they’ll be more likely to take your work seriously too.
3. Create Clear Signals for Work Time at Home
Working remotely can make it tough to separate work from personal life, especially when sharing space with family. Setting clear signals for “work mode” helps create boundaries, keeping you focused and minimizing interruptions.
Here are some ideas:
- Set Up a Dedicated Workspace: Designating a specific area in your home as your workspace is key for focus. Whether it’s a separate room, a bedroom corner, or a nook, consistency matters. Keep the area free from distractions like the TV or unrelated clutter. In small spaces, use corners or multifunctional furniture to create a dedicated work area, signaling to your family that you’re in “work mode.”
- Use Visual or Physical Cues: Using visual cues and a “work uniform” can help set boundaries and signal to your family that you’re in work mode. A “Do Not Disturb” sign, wearing headphones, or adding a small desk light can indicate when you shouldn’t be disturbed. Wearing a designated work outfit, even just a simple shirt that feels “professional”, reinforces that you’re focused on tasks, helping reduce interruptions.
- Create Times to Work Away from Home: Creating regular periods where you work away from home, like at a coffee shop or co-working space, signals to yourself and your family that you’re in dedicated work mode. By being physically absent, you establish clear boundaries, helping others understand these are focused, uninterrupted work hours. This change of environment not only supports productivity and reduces the monotony of home routines, but it also refreshes your energy, making work feel more engaging and balanced.
Consistently using these techniques not only boosts productivity but also signals to your family that these are your set work hours. Establishing a workspace, adding visual cues, or working outside now and then helps balance focus and family life at home.
4. Use Your WFH Flexibility to Contribute to the Household
Working from home brings a level of flexibility that makes balancing work and family life possible, even in a busy household. While it’s essential to stick to a work routine, being open to small adjustments lets you stay present for your family while meeting your work goals.
- Make Family Contributions Part of Your Routine: To keep things flowing smoothly, find areas where you can regularly pitch in. For example, you might take on doing certain chores as part of your weekly routine, fitting these tasks into breaks or low-stress times in your day. You might even be surprised that these moments can be a refreshing change from your usual tasks and can help minimize the feeling of remote work burnout.
- Stay Flexible to Meet Family Needs: Even with set work hours, let your family know you can be flexible when needed. If they need help with something during the day, let them know when you’re available to step away briefly without disrupting your workflow too much. This helps everyone manage expectations and keeps the household running smoothly.
By being flexible but firm with your schedule, you can balance your work responsibilities while staying connected to family needs. This approach keeps you adaptable without losing focus, showing your family that you’re committed both to your work and to them.
5. Don't Forget to Establish Digital Boundaries Too
Setting digital boundaries is essential to fully disconnect from work and make room for personal time, especially in a work-from-home setup. Here’s how:
- Manage Notifications Wisely: Be strategic about notifications: limit or mute non-essential alerts outside of work hours. Embrace the idea that it’s okay to miss some minor updates when you’re off the clock. My personal motto is, “Work notifications outside of hours are just distractions.” By managing notifications carefully, you can maintain focus on what’s most important at the moment.
- Communicate Availability with Colleagues & Clients: Clearly set expectations by sharing your work hours in your email signature or through an auto-response for after-hours messages. When planning to take leave, notify your team in advance, specifying your limited availability and any coverage plans. This helps prevent last-minute requests and lets you fully disconnect during your break.
- Create a Post-Work Unwind Routine: Establishing a brief “unwind” routine after logging off from work can be a powerful way to transition into personal time. Whether it’s a short walk, a favorite hobby, or just chillin’, these moments help you decompress and make it clear to yourself, and your family, that work is officially done for the day.
Conclusion: Work from Tahanan
Creating remote work boundaries isn’t just about balancing productivity and family life; it’s about making a supportive tahanan that works together toward a shared goal. For families with one or more remote workers, these boundaries become the framework for mutual respect, flexibility, and shared understanding.
They also help ease the sense of isolation that can come with remote work, especially for those on night shifts or differing time zones.
These boundaries reflect a commitment not only to your career but also to the relationships that keep you grounded. Remember, every day you put in the effort, you’re not just working – you’re building a life that fulfills both your personal and family goals.
