Working from home can mean a lack of communication with colleagues and unwelcome distractions, but with millions of people potentially having to swap their office desks for the kitchen table in the coming weeks, these useful tips will stop you stay productive and on top of your workload.
Tara Mestre, business and wellbeing expert has seven useful approaches to help you develop an effective working from home strategy.
Stick to your routine
When your desk is in the same building as your bed, it’s easy to become a little complacent and shun the alarm. Stick to your routine, set your alarm as if you are going to work (which you are!) and try to do everything you normally do on a normal working day. Have a shower, eat your breakfast, put on your work clothes and approach the day like any other. Once you are dressed, your mental state shifts into work mode.
Avoid distractions
Try to stay away from social media and Netflix! Without your boss looking over your shoulder, the temptation is there to slack off a little and spend more time on social media. To tackle this try one of the many apps that snooze your access to distractions.
Entertain your kids
With many kids staying from home school and childcare facilities closing their doors, you may find yourself at home with the entire family making work a little challenging. Audiobooks, educational cartoons, documentaries, arts and crafts are a great way to keep kids occupied for a short period of time so that you can get some work done.
Be flexible
Your working day may look a little different from what you’re used to especially if you have a family at home. Be flexible with your working hours and start to see your day outside of the normal 9-5 routine. Lots of people who work from home, start their days a lot earlier or work late into the night!
Get physical
Use this time at home to increase your physical movement. Go for walks or make the most of the 1000’s of free yoga and exercise resources online. If your local gym or yoga studio is closing, ask the teachers if they’re willing to do online classes helping to financially support them also in this difficult time.
Stay connected
If you are feeling lonely due to lack of interaction with colleagues, schedule online meetings or catch up group calls. Don’t cut yourself off from social interaction just because you are having to work from your own home. Staying connected is key to avoiding bouts of loneliness, anxiety and stress.
Create a nice atmosphere
Working from home means you get to control your environment. Burn some sweet-smelling candles, use an oil diffuser, turn the radio on or your favourite playlist and turn your home into an idyllic work environment. Stock up on some nice teas and healthy snacks and enjoy being in the comfort of your own home!
