Setting yourself up for success – Tips for working from home
With the state of the world changing day by day, for many of us it is no longer ‘business as usual’.
More and more people are transitioning from the work office to the home office which presents with its own unique set of challenge. To get back to business as usual, there are a few key practices you can follow in order to set yourself up for success.
1. Create a routine
Adjusting to your new normal is going to take time, but by setting up and sticking to a routine, you can ensure a positive and productive mindset. Put your best foot forward and set an alarm, brush your teeth, maintain your grooming and make yourself a decent breakfast. You may not have to dress in a suit or tie, but take the business up top, comfort down below approach and ensure you are neat and presentable from the waist up for any virtual meetings you may have. Creating a routine creates a mindset which will be essential for staying motivated in your new environment.
2. Set up your work space
With laptops and tablets a part of our everyday reality, it’s easy to get set up on the couch to work, however over an 8 hour a day, 5 days a week this will not be the most motivating or comfortable set up. By creating a designated environment to work from that does not interfere with your leisure space, you will be better able to know where and when to switch on and off. It’s also vitally important that when creating your space, you are aware of proper ergonomics to ensure correct posture and minimum strain on your body.
3. Make a list/ plan
You are your own motivational coach in the home office so it is important that you structure your day to stay on task and meet goals. Get into the habit of writing task lists and setting yourself clear and achievable timeframes. Old fashioned pen and paper works great, but for those looking for a tech edge, apps such a Microsoft Planner, Monday or Notion allow you to create lists, set due dates, share your list and even assign tasks to members of your team.
4. Take regular breaks
When working from home, it is important to be aware of how you work best, whether you get the most achieved in the morning, or perhaps you prefer to tackle tasks in the late afternoon. Either way, many people find they can only focus for short periods of time and while there are many formulas for productivity out there, most research suggests working for short periods of time (30 – 60 minutes) followed by a short break (10 – 20 minutes). Use this down time to go outside, make a coffee or just stand up and stretch – as long as you give your mind a break from your tasks at hand.
5. Check in with others
While working from home may feel comfortable and familiar to some, for many people it can be isolating and in these times it is important to check in with your peers and co-workers regularly. By using apps such as FaceTime or Zoom, scheduling in regular meetings has never been easier. When catching up on work related items, it is important to also spend time checking in with each other on a personal level. While working from home might keep you physically apart, it is a great opportunity to come together and strengthen your communication and relationships.
Get back to business as usual by incorporating the following practices into your working from home routine and you’ll find yourself easing into your new normal in no time.
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