Top Tips: How to effectively work from home
Advice on making the most of working from home
While the country has started to open back up after COVID-19 restrictions, a large portion of the population are finding that their work dynamic has changed, with more employers offering agile working and flexible hours than ever before.
Whether you’re a long-term agile worker or new to the stay-at-home game, we’ve outlined some top tips to help you make the most of knuckling down in your own abode.
Do create a professional work space
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a spare room which they can turn into a home office. However, simply designating a work space within your home can help you to get in the zone and focus on the tasks at hand. You can even kit the area out exactly how you like – whether you prefer two screens, like to have all of your stationery perfectly organised or simply feel more focused surrounded by plants!
Don’t lose track of time
It’s easy to lose track of time while working from home and you can often end up starting earlier and finishing later, so think about setting timers for the beginning and end of your day. Working from home also enables you to make the most of your time in a way that the traditional office environment doesn’t – so whether you want to finish the laundry, do something creative or read a few chapters of your favourite book, be sure to make the most of the time when you would be commuting. If you happen to live close to friends and family, you could also try setting aside some time on your lunchbreaks for a quick coffee or bite to eat!
Do create an atmosphere that helps you concentrate
If you prefer that slightly more office-like feel, why not put on the radio or some background music to help you concentrate. However, if you’re used to a busy household, you may prefer a bit of peace and quiet while you work. This is personal preference and all about creating an atmosphere that works for you!
Don’t let yourself be distracted
You may enjoy watching TV, reading a good book or playing video games but these need to be limited to your free time; you’re still at work and it’s a very slippery slope if your two lives start to overlap. Instead, perhaps write up a list of your favourite pastimes and think of these as a treat once you’ve finished your workload for the day.
Do get ready for the day
When you tell people that you work from home, it’s almost certain that they imagine days lounging in pyjamas and answering emails from bed. However, one of the top pieces of advice is to set yourself a morning routine just as you would if you were heading into an office; showering and getting dressed before sitting down for your morning coffee will naturally put you in a completely different mindset.
Take a breather
This is vital for anyone who works from home as taking some time away from your screen allows your mind to reset. Whether you get up at the crack of dawn for a workout, take a short walk to get the newspaper in the morning, or go for a leisurely stroll on your lunch break, getting out of the house will help to fight any feelings of isolation.
Don’t forget to communicate
It’s easy to forget how your co-workers are getting on when they aren’t in the room with you so try to check in with them when you can. This isn’t just about letting the team know that you’re present and working – it also helps to build relationships and sustain that feeling of camaraderie. A number of businesses have even adopted ‘virtual hangouts’ where they’ll host lunchtime or end of day video calls with the team, giving everyone the chance to catch up over a quick drink before signing off for the evening.
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