How To Work From Home Successfully
A home office is a very different environment to its traditional counterpart, but working remotely is something a lot of people are having to get used to.
Although getting to wear your PJs during working hours might seem attractive the reality of working from home comes with its own unique set of challenges. Here are some tips on making your period at home successful.
Act As If You Are Going Into The Office
Working from home once in a while is a luxury and most people are excited by the prospect, however due to coronavirus many people are having the reality of working from home being imposed on them. This doesn’t mean you need to break your usual routine, yes you might have some more time in bed as a result of not having to travel to work. But it is important to get up, get ready for work and set up a space you can work from comfortably. That means not working from your bed or your sofa, but actually sitting at a table or a desk. So yes, that does mean getting dressed, even if it is just your top half for video calls. Sit at your make do desk and start your working day on time, take a lunch break and finish when you would normally
Have A Healthy To Do List
Structure your day, when you are working from home you have to be your own Manager and therefore you have to manage your productivity. At the end of each day, write your to do list and goals for the next day so you have clarity and you do not have to waste time in the morning. Segment what you will do and when you will do it over the course of the day; provide yourself with breaks so that you are able to keep focussed and avoid burnout. Without office based distractions you may actually be more productive!
Think Like It’s Your Own Business
As the coronavirus pandemic affects the global economy, it is up to each of us to look at how we add value to our employer. Think what can you do to identify problems and seek out solutions to help your Company stay above water. It is down to all of us to go over and above, to rally together to make sure the business survives. Think like its your own business and develop an entrepreneurial mindset about your career. This current situation calls for everyone to give not just 100% but to give a 150%
Stay In Contact With Your Team
In an age of technology working from home does not mean working in isolation. You can still meet with colleagues (eg: Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams etc) so why not keep the team spirit going by scheduling calls or meetings, checking in on your colleagues to see if they are coping OK or if they need assistance. This will help your morale as well as your work mates and hopefully increase productivity. Always remember sharing is caring.
Accept Distractions
If you are at home be realistic, there are going to be a myriad of distractions that you are going to be faced with. Doorbells will ring, the washing needs to be done, your kids are driving you mad! Just accept that some of these distractions can be prevented and some cannot, distractions are a reality, just ensure they do not take up your whole working day.
Get Some Exercise
Exercise and fresh air is essential to your day. If you were commuting into the office it would be something you are used to so don’t give it up just because you are at home. Where possible try to feed a little your daily routine. Even if it is a walk around the block, in your garden or to your local shops. Remember a heathy body and mind is essential during these unprecedented times.
The reality of working from home is not always as attractive as it might appear. From the outside it looks as if you will have a really wonderful time, be your own boss, have wonderful lie in and long boozy lunches. The reality it is lonely, you are likely to work longer hours and there is no-one there to motivate you or tell you that you have done a job well. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but at the moment many of us don’t have a choice. By following these simple guidelines it could make it a little easier for you.