We are certainly living through unprecedented times. With much of the world in lockdown, many of us are starting to embrace new ways of working remotely. Being able to use the right tools and adjust our thinking, can help us significantly to get through this crisis period. Some may find this adjustment more difficult than others.
Here are some tips to make working from home a little easier during this time of isolation:
• | Stay in contact: One of the most difficult things about working from home is losing face-to-face interactions with your colleagues and clients. Even the most introverted human needs time with people. In an age of technology, working remotely or working from home does not have to mean working in isolation. Use technologies like Microsoft Teams or Zoom to have morning catch-up meetings with your team and to check in your colleagues to see if they are coping OK or if they need any assistance. |
• | Keep to your normal routine: Working from home doesn’t mean you need to break your usual routine. Sticking to your normal work routine is one of the best ways to keep you motivated and will help to set the mood for the day. Get a good shower to wake you up (this is usually the first thing to be discarded during remote working) and get ready for work as you would on a normal day. Make a to-do list, prioritise the tasks you need to accomplish, and plan your time accordingly. Then, you can start your working day with a clearly defined purpose! |
• | Operate in a business-like manner: Set aside a separate, dedicated workspace to keep your work and leisure space separate in order to avoid blurring the lines between work and personal time. This can be a small desk in the corner of a spare bedroom. Customise your space with the equipment and connectivity you need to be productive. Whatever you do, do not work in bed! |
• | Accept distractions: You are at home so there will be a myriad of distractions that you are faced with – the kids, your partner, TV, deliveries. Some of these distractions can be prevented and some cannot, they are a reality – so long as they are not taking over the whole working day. Try to adapt and explain to your children as much as possible what your working time means. |
• | Maintain your emotional health: Working from home can challenge your mental health. The disconnectivity from your colleagues and the rest of the world can make you feel lonely and depressed. Get some tips here about protecting your mental health while working from home. |
• | Stay healthy to avoid cabin fever: Go for walks to get some fresh air – even if it’s just around the yard or in the garden; set up your working space in the garden or out on the patio; get some exercise and eat well. |
For all COVID-19 related information, click here to read.