Working from home tips =)
Working from home has quickly become a normality for many of us, as we work collectively to flatten the curve of this global pandemic.
There are many things you can do to ensure you maximise your newfound freedom and responsibility. Working from home brings many advantages such as increased work performance, business continuity, and allowing individuals to achieve a greater work-life balance.
Let’s explore some tips and best practises to guarantee an optimal experience as you adapt to working from home.
Create a permanent, clean, safe workspace
It’s important you designate a specific area of your home to becoming a work zone and commit to working in this space every day. Be sure this space is quiet, clean, safe, well-lit, ventilated and comfortable so you can focus without interference or distraction.
Support your wellbeing
It’s essential to establish healthy routines while working from home. Take regular breaks, keep your body moving and eat a nutritious diet to support productive working.
Exercise naturally boosts endorphins, which increases happiness and interest levels, which then determines your productivity levels. Get into the habit of stretching and moving throughout the day.
Working from home for extended periods of time can lead to feelings of isolation or loneliness. It’s still important to make time for personal interactions with your colleagues when informal catch ups like coffee room conversations are no longer possible. Instead of emailing, try to call team members to check-in and ask how they are going.
Set boundaries between your work and home life
We recommend establishing clear working hours, so you remain focused during these windows and don’t become overworked or exhausted. Ensure once you decide to clock off for the evening you remove to-do lists, planners and work documents out of your sight and turn your computer off.
Dress for success
While working in your dressing gown and slippers can certainly seem like a great idea, it can quickly negatively impact your productivity. Studies have shown that getting dressed as you normally would when going into the office will psychologically get you in the right mindset for work. Attempting to work in your pyjamas can result in you feeling unmotivated and lazy. Be prepared physically and your mentality will follow. Develop a morning routine like setting an alarm, waking up, going for a walk, showering, making breakfast and watching the news before you commence your day at work.
Update your to-do list and set goals
As we adjust to a new way of working, it can be easy to lose sight of priorities, tasks, and deadlines. Setting goals for the day will keep you motivated and keep you striving for success. It will also fill you with a sense of achievement and accomplishment once you meet your goal and can cross something off your to-do list.
Start putting these simple tips into practise, develop healthy habits and a create a clear routine. It won’t be long until you see both your productivity and happiness increase. Stay home and stay safe.