Work from home tips for avid office dwellers!!!

At least once in our entire lifetime, we have wished that we could stay away from everyone and enjoy some time at home with our family. Well, that wish seems to have been granted due to the recent corona outbreak in the world.

Working from home is a dream to most, but it comes with challenges. Mentally leaving “home mode” and entering “work mode” can be difficult if you never physically leave your house and your bed only steps away. How can you become inspired to get work done in such cozy conditions?

For many modern professionals, working from home every once in a while is a luxury our respective companies afford us. But which environment allows us to be more productive: the home office or the “office” office?

1. Confirm the preferred method of communication that’s appropriate for your team.

The most important thing while working in a team is communication when working from home. It is imperative that your communication is uninterrupted and working at all times.

Make sure your internet connections and telephone connections are well configured and properly set up. It has become even more critical since the current global pandemic has resulted in lockdown in many places.

First of all, follow the protocol set by your company and your boss. If your company tells you to work from home, do it. If your company tells you otherwise, follow their instructions. Work with your team to figure out the best ways to replicate your office communication. Staying in touch with Slack, staying in touch with emails, or having Skype and Zoom check-ins will be more effective.

2. Dedicate a Space and Organize It.

You, like many people, probably have a dedicated workspace at your office. Your desk, your chair, your computer, your pictures, your reminders on Post-it notes stuck all over your space, everything, all of it, is about to go away for a while. One way to eliminate some of the stress of working from home is to choose a space and dedicate it to be your new workspace for the foreseeable future. Some of us are fortunate enough to have a home office or at least a desk at home that fits the bill.

A kitchen or coffee table may be called up to serve this purpose for those who do not. Whatever you end up choosing, taking some time to organize your workspace and gathering up essential items like pens, pads, post-its, laptops, phone chargers, etc., can alleviate the anxiety. Find a comfortable place. Consider an area that gets plenty of natural light and allows you to stay in place while plugging away at that project without straining your back (or your bum, for that matter).

3. Create Routines and Stick to Them.

We all have our own set of routines for our working day. Some of us are early risers and find that getting into the office before anyone else gives us the ability to crank out some uninterrupted morning productivity. If you’re not an early riser, that’s okay, but it is essential to maintain something resembling a routine to keep stress to a minimum. Make yourself get up out of bed at the same time as usual. Take regular breaks and lunches at the same time you usually would. Keep distractions to a minimum by resisting the temptation to flip on the TV, surf social media, or browse the pantry between emails.

4. Got kids at home? Plan a daily schedule to keep those cuties busy.

If you’re juggling work and kids, permit yourself to plop the kids in front of a movie when you’re working on your most high-value tasks.

Plan activities for the day to keep kids entertained while at home. Make a run to the local drugstore or dollar store for coloring books, crayons, or other age-appropriate activities. Plan out a simple schedule for your children to follow, and schedule quiet activities – like a movie – during your high visibility meetings

Don’t feel guilty over emergency screen time. Kids are resilient. This is an unusual situation, and the fact that you’re balancing remote work and childcare on the fly makes you the parent of the year.

5. Take a Breath of Fresh Air.

Since you’ll be cooped up indoors to work, many of us often forget that there’s an outside world out there. Open some windows to let sunlight in and take some time throughout your day to go outside – at least to your patio or backyard.

Speaking of lunch, if you have a ready space outdoors to scarf down a sandwich at lunch, consider taking it outside. The benefits of fresh air and sunlight can do wonders for you. If you’re an apartment dweller without a space to throw a chair out in the yard, try finding a window with some good natural light and open it up next to you while you eat. Be creative and make the most out of what you have.

6. Stay Off Social Media.

I think we can agree that we are all guilty of this one from time to time. Social media can be a giant time-suck if you aren’t careful.

That is more time than most people spend sleeping or working! Furthermore, many mobile apps now reveal how much time they spend on each one. This is eye-opening, especially for casual social media users. Get familiar with your company’s social media guidelines. They might even want you to engage in their approved channels like LinkedIn.

Minimizing mindless use of social media helps avoid distractions, so you can focus on getting more done.

SOME FINAL TIPS FOR YOUR HOME OFFICE

Consider getting exercise equipment for short breaks. Things like resistance bands, small weights, or even a treadmill can help keep your blood flowing on a long workday.

Stock up on supplies. You’ll still need pens, paper, and other work supplies in your home office. Make sure you are always stocked.

Dress for work. Just because you have the option to work in your underwear doesn’t mean you should.

I hope these few tips help you work from home better and make your experience comfortable.

Stay home and stay safe!
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