Tips for Working from Home

Since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, many worldwide have seen a major shift in the way they work. Many office jobs now have the flexibility of working from home or in hybrid models between the workplace and home. We have tips on how to make your home office more sustainable, but curating your workspace isn’t a one-step solution to maintaining productivity. If you find it tricky to get into the swing of things and stay on track, trust us – you’re not alone! This transition wasn’t an easy one for everyone despite some big benefits. So here are some of our top tips for WFH life:

Write a schedule – and stick to it

Human beings are creatures of habit. At this time, when our normal schedules have been thrown out the window, routine is key – it’s the glue that holds everything else together. A strong schedule has the power to keep you anchored in normality, and to maintain (and maybe even develop) healthy habits during this unusual time. These good habits will help to support an efficient working-from-home lifestyle.

You know yourself best, so you know what’s needed in your routine – whether that’s exercise before you sit at your desk for the day, video calling your family during your lunch break, or talking to your boss about working more flexible hours.

Remember, though, schedules are great, but if you don’t manage to fit in all of the things that you’ve planned one day, don’t be too hard on yourself. You can try again tomorrow – as long as you’re keeping yourself healthy and you’re mindful of your needs, then you’re moving in the right direction.

Change your environment

It can feel a bit like being a hamster in a cage when you’re at home all day long – waking up in the same place, working all day in the same place, and having your leisure time there, too. If you can, at least make sure that your work station is in a different room from where you socialize, eat and sleep.

Of course, this very much depends on how much space you have in the first place. Shout out to everybody riding out this quarantine from small apartments and single rooms. We salute you!

Call your workmates

Human beings communicate in different ways – not just with language.

We admit, it feels weird not being able to see our colleagues. We miss being able to chat while the kettle is boiling and really get a sense of how they are!

Luckily, we’re living in a digital age. The internet can connect us to people during this time. Hearing your colleagues’, friends’ or family members’ voices and seeing their faces over video can really help with feeling connected – despite not being in the same place!

Of course, a huge thank you to the people who are still going into work, seeing their colleagues face to face and keeping society ticking on – you’re amazing for doing everything you’re doing!

Plan meals in advance

To help save time during your working today, and to make sure that you’re fuelling your body in the right way, plan your lunches in advance. Having your lunch ready to eat will help to keep you focused on the tasks at hand – rather than focused on whipping up a culinary masterpiece while you’re supposed to be on zoom calls. For added structure, try to eat lunch at the same time every day.

Keep work and personal time boundaries – and take regular breaks

Set and maintain boundaries with yourself – maybe you’re tempted to watch the next episode of Tiger King on your lunch break, but you know that it would turn into two and your work day would get eaten up by Netflix. This might seem like a fun way to spend time but actually, you’ll end up feeling regretful and putting yourself on a back foot when it comes to having a grip on your responsibilities.

If you’re struggling with self-discipline and motivation, try the pomodoro technique.

This is a technique which centers around working in 25 minute blocks – it’s widely used in the tech industry because of its ability to keep the mind focused in a way that feels natural and manageable.

Get dressed up

If you’re used to getting dressed up smartly to go to work, then maintain that level of commitment to self-care. Not because it matters what you look like, but because the ritual of getting ready can really help to prepare your mind for the day ahead. How we look can really influence how we feel. If we’re wearing sweatpants with unbrushed teeth and hair, we’re most likely going to feel sleepy and unprepared. But if we’re ready to work with a sharp outfit and a fresh face, the likelihood is that we’ll feel sharp and fresh, too.

How are you finding working from home? Let us know in the comments below!