Tips for working from home
Over the past few months, many of us have spent more time working at home than we have in the office this year and maybe that will be the case for the foreseeable future.
However, while working from home definitely has its perks, it can also be challenging.
Below are a few tips that will help to make it easier for you to work well from home.
1. Get into the right mindset
Getting the most out of working from home effectively can take some extra discipline and consideration.
This is because being in a office, you'll tend to feel more productive, especially when there are elements such as motivational messages and decorations that helps you to get in the productive frame of mind - this is the kind of structure you should create at home.
You can create your very own work area. Get yourself a small computer/laptop desk like the one below and some accessories. A lack of structure can lead to overworking and forgetting all those important screen breaks.
Once you've created your working space, you'll be able to easily develop a homeworking routine that sets you up for a day of work. This way, you can also avoid snuggling up on the sofa while Netflix plays in the background or work late into the night.
2. Get up and dress Up
So I know what you're thinking, but no - I don’t mean you should wear a suit - however, if that works for you, I won’t argue. Jump in the shower first thing and put on something that makes you feel ready to kick start the day, such as a lounge wear or something similar to what you would wear to work on a 'dress down Friday'.
3. Create a commute
Zero commute time is one of the great benefits of working from home. Have you ever woke up not feeling ready for that commute to work, but once you are out the door and on your way - you are more ready than ever to kickstart your day at work?
Well, this will be the case when you create a daily pre-work journey, it will get you into work mode. Start your day by leaving the house and going for a walk, Turn around, walk back, and let yourself into your 'office'. You will immediately feel more efficient. Do this at the end of the day to help you switch off from work.
4. Plan your workflow
Planning your workflow can help you to keep productive whilst working from home. Make sure you know your priorities for the day and how much time you may need to spend on each task.
You may also want to create a detailed plan to keep you going throughout the day, for example, planning to do the hardest task when you know you'll have enough energy.
5. Sound your alarm when its break time
It's easy to work long hours without taking breaks when you are working from home. Going away from your desk every now and again to grab a drink, unfortunately, does not count as break.
Not taking a break will only make you feel burnt out. Therefore, to help you remember when to take a break, set an alarm clock, and place it away from your desk. This way, when it goes off, you will need to get up from your desk to acknowledge it.
6. Communicate and collaborate
One of the downside of working from home is that sometimes it can become lonely. Whilst in the office, you can talk to your colleagues but working from home, you don't have that type of interaction with your colleagues. Even if you speak to members of your household, it's not exactly the same as speaking to your colleagues.
However, working from home doesn't have to be lonely. Thank God for technology, there are tools available that will allow you to communicate and collaborate with your colleagues while working from home.
You can use online collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams and Trello, to share your ideas and work with colleagues. Some of these tools are multifaceted, with some platforms including voice calls, video calls and screen-sharing.
7. Avoid distractions
Working from home can bring a stream of distractions that we just really need to try our best to defeat and there is always a way to do this.
Some of the most common distractions while working from home includes smart phones and tablets, household tasks, pets and family members and TV and media.
If it means you have to place some of these things out of sight such as your mobile phone or unplugging the TV, then do so. It might be difficult, but you can do it! When it comes to family members and pets, have someone else look after your pet and put rules in place to share with your family members so that they will not distract you during the working day.
Want to read a similar post? Check out our other career-related post here.