Many of us return to working from home and it’s fair to say that it can take some time to adjust to. There is no face to face meetings they have moved online, though at least we are not commuting to work or travelling to meetings.
I have worked at home for several years and there are some keys things to have in place plus some useful tips. To adapt to working at home and to continue to be effective.
Tips to stay productive
- Get dressed. For some people working at home in the pyjamas sounds like the ideal world. I would recommend you get up, get showered and dressed. This puts you in the right mind set to start your day and helps to focus on business. Some people find dressing in their business clothes helps too but the choice is yours. However, I would recommend that you consider what you wear are if you are attending on line meetings.
- Establish a place to work. Set yourself up with an office with all the tools you need to do your work. Including a good internet connection, a dependable computer, access to online meeting software like Zoom or Microsoft teams or whatever works for you and your clients. Inform your household so they know not to interrupt you during your working hours.
- Establish your boundaries. If you usually work for a company the chances are you have your working hours so you need to stick with these. If not set yourself a daily schedule, set your alarm so you get up in time. As you are not commuting you may get a lay in. I find doing a workout at the beginning of the day helps to get me motivated. When you finish your working day turn your computer off. Be disciplined do not work into your usual family or leisure time.
- Established yourself a daily tasks list to work through. Tick off the jobs that you complete and review and update for the next day. Helps to manage your time and keep you on track.
- Get out and about and have regular breaks. Just because you are working at home does not mean you have to stay in all day. Make sure you get your daily outdoor exercise whether it’s a walk or a cycle but maintain the social distancing rules. Take regular breaks from your screen. Get up walk around, make yourself a drink it is not good to be glued to your screen all day.
- Pick up the phone. If you are working from home you may not talk to someone all day. So rather than texting or emailing pick up the phone speak to your clients and or your colleagues. I am sure they would welcome the chat.
Online training
Finally, undertake any online training that is offered to you as this is an opportunity to develop your skills. Maintain your professionalism and performance. The lock-down will end and when it does make sure you are ready. Any questions get in touch and I would be happy to share my experience with you.
