Lockdown has seen many people have to start to work from home. If you have never had to work from home, especially for a prolonged period of time, you may not know where to start or now three weeks in with at least another three to go, you may be struggling. Working from home can be tough, you have to stay strong, maintain your mental health and stay focused in order to get things done. It’s easy for the mind to wander and also the body, usually to the fridge (just me?). Having worked from home both in my day job and for the past 5 and a half years running this blog, I have put together 6 straightforward tips to help you work from home during lockdown.
Stick To Your Usual Routine
I find that sticking to my usual routine really helps. It’s easy to watch that extra episode on Netflix or start a film past my normal 8 pm rule, pushing me past my usual bedtime. However, this then has a knock-on effect in the morning. I find getting up and going to bed at my usual time really helps me stay focussed. I don’t know about you but I really don’t function properly without at least 7 hours of sleep. If you shower in the morning, then shower in the morning. If you like a long soak in the bath after work, then have a long soak in the bath. By keeping things as normal as possible will help you differentiate between work and home and encourage a healthy work-life balance.
Set Aside Space To Work From
I have a home office where I can shut myself away. However, not everyone has that luxury, especially if this is the first time they have ever been expected to work from home before (these are unprecedented times). Therefore, it’s recommended that you find somewhere in your house that you are comfortable working from. This may be the kitchen table, by the large sash windows in your living room (if you are lucky enough to have them – think of all that light!) or even your bed. It’s wherever you feel the most productive. However, if you are expected to take part in conference calls, maybe somewhere distraction-free would be best, we all remember the kid in the baby walker.
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Treat Your Space Like The Office
Once you have chosen your space, wherever it is in your house, the next thing to do is set it up like your office. Obviously, it’s not your office. Therefore the likelihood of having everything, you need (photocopier, large stationary supply, work bestie etc) is slim. However, get your laptop set up in a way that feels comfortable. Together with any furniture that you choose to use. The last thing you want after a long day typing is a bad back, so ensure you have adequate support. If you need special equipment, contact your employer who may be able to order this for you and get it delivered directly to your house. Ensure you have chargers, files, snacks etc and you’re good to go.
Get Away From Your Desk
So you’ve spent all your time deciding on the perfect space and setting it up as you office and now I’m advising you get away from it? Yes, I am. You have to remember that your commute is now a maximum of 45 seconds. Therefore if you finish your day in the office at 5 pm, then step away from your desk at home at 5 pm too. When you work from home and you are in the middle of a piece of work, it’s easy to work through until you have finished it. I know I’m guilty of that. Also, ensure you take a lunch break or at least regular 5/10 minute breaks away from your work, it’s easy to power through, but by stepping away every now and then will, in fact, make you more productive.
Stay In Contact With Colleagues
I’m not saying have Friday night virtual drinks with them. Although obviously, you can if you get on with them on a social level. I mean check in on them, make sure they are ok, especially if you are a manager or supervisor. Ensure they have everything they need to be able to do their jobs correctly. Because the likelihood is if their job is being done correctly, you can do yours more efficiently too. Also, ensure you stay in contact with your superior. This is to ensure the work you are doing is what is expected and you have the most up to date information. There’s nothing more frustrating than working on something and then finding out it is not needed or out of date straight away.
Embrace Distractions
You may have kids, pet, housemates, even a partner working from home too. It is impossible to ignore them and pretend they are not there. Even if sometimes you wish you could. Therefore, try to embrace the distraction they bring. Obviously, you can’t just not work but if the kids need feeding or the dog needs walking and you find yourself at a natural break in your working day, then why not. Treat it as one of those 5/10 minute breaks mentioned earlier. Also, I’m sure we’re all guilty of having a conversation that went on a little bit too long in the kitchen or near the water cooler in the office. So I wouldn’t feel too guilty about slacking for a bit at home. We are all doing what we can.
We hope these straightforward tips help you work from home during lockdown.
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