Having to work from home, especially when it is imposed can be daunting. Wether you are at home alone or surrounded by family and children, each situation brings its challenges and opportunities.
Here are my top tips for working from home successfully that have been helpful for myself and many of my clients.
Have a read and see what resonates with you…
1) Environment
If you have the luxury of having a separate dedicated space for a home office - great. If you don’t, create a specific area in your home dedicated for work.
It is best to keep it separate from where you relax, however if that is not possible make an even bigger effort with point 2 below.
Consider light and ventilation when choosing your workspace and don’t forget to set yourself up in a way that allows for good posture.
2) Boundaries
Separate work form home life by
Having a clear schedule of when you start and finish work.
Set a time limit for when you need to work overtime and stick to it.
If you don’t have a dedicated work space/office where you can close the door, ensure you close your laptop or pack it away in a bag at the end of the day or when you take a break for lunch.
3) Structure your day
Have a clear start and end time for your work day, include sufficient breaks and stick to it.
Use your calendar - Block out time for certain work activities so that your work day is structured.
This can really help you stay focused and maintain a work-life balance.
4) Contact and Connection
Stay in virtual contact with your colleagues beyond work specific calls and meetings. Schedule a time to catch-up the way you would do at work over a cup of coffee, and the way you do with friends and family that live at a distance to you.
5) Communication
It can be more effective to pick up the phone or hop on a conference call instead of increasing the already huge amount of e-mails.
When using e-mail, take care with written communication, there is a greater chance of miscommunication or misunderstanding.
6) Eat healthy and drink plenty
Use the time you safe on commuting or going out to buy lunch to prepare yourself healthy meals, snacks and drink plenty of water. Keep it simple!
7) Move
Get up and move. Stretch your legs, and arms. Take a deep breath.
Set a timer on your laptop or use your smart watch to remind you.
Continue with your usual exercise routine and adapt it to your current situation
8) Limit social media
Switch off your social media notifications whilst you are working.
Keep your social media use to a minimum by checking for important information from credible sources at certain times. Most countries have announced daily times for press conferences which will provide you with the most important information.
Social Media is a major distraction and culprit for overthinking, therefore limit its use and stay ware of its impact on your state of mind. Remain present and engaged with the here and now.
9) Make use the extra time at home
Use the extra time you have gained in a meaningful way. Engage with your family and friends. Play with your kids, read a book or do the online course you have been wanting to do for sometime. Possibilities are endless with technology at our hands.
This is a wonderful and rare opportunity to create a different life for yourself.
10) State of Mind
Find ways of turning the current situation with all its adversities into an opportunity and a positive experience.
What you focus on - you will create and experience. Therefore pay attention to where you place your focus and attention.
We are hardwired to handle adversity and challenges and the place you find this resilience is within you.
Bring awareness to your state of mind and your natural ability to shift to a more positive state of mind the moment you look for it
Here are my top tips for working from home successfully that have been helpful for myself and many of my clients.
Have a read and see what resonates with you…
1) Environment
If you have the luxury of having a separate dedicated space for a home office - great. If you don’t, create a specific area in your home dedicated for work.
It is best to keep it separate from where you relax, however if that is not possible make an even bigger effort with point 2 below.
Consider light and ventilation when choosing your workspace and don’t forget to set yourself up in a way that allows for good posture.
2) Boundaries
Separate work form home life by
Having a clear schedule of when you start and finish work.
Set a time limit for when you need to work overtime and stick to it.
If you don’t have a dedicated work space/office where you can close the door, ensure you close your laptop or pack it away in a bag at the end of the day or when you take a break for lunch.
3) Structure your day
Have a clear start and end time for your work day, include sufficient breaks and stick to it.
Use your calendar - Block out time for certain work activities so that your work day is structured.
This can really help you stay focused and maintain a work-life balance.
4) Contact and Connection
Stay in virtual contact with your colleagues beyond work specific calls and meetings. Schedule a time to catch-up the way you would do at work over a cup of coffee, and the way you do with friends and family that live at a distance to you.
5) Communication
It can be more effective to pick up the phone or hop on a conference call instead of increasing the already huge amount of e-mails.
When using e-mail, take care with written communication, there is a greater chance of miscommunication or misunderstanding.
6) Eat healthy and drink plenty
Use the time you safe on commuting or going out to buy lunch to prepare yourself healthy meals, snacks and drink plenty of water. Keep it simple!
7) Move
Get up and move. Stretch your legs, and arms. Take a deep breath.
Set a timer on your laptop or use your smart watch to remind you.
Continue with your usual exercise routine and adapt it to your current situation
8) Limit social media
Switch off your social media notifications whilst you are working.
Keep your social media use to a minimum by checking for important information from credible sources at certain times. Most countries have announced daily times for press conferences which will provide you with the most important information.
Social Media is a major distraction and culprit for overthinking, therefore limit its use and stay ware of its impact on your state of mind. Remain present and engaged with the here and now.
9) Make use the extra time at home
Use the extra time you have gained in a meaningful way. Engage with your family and friends. Play with your kids, read a book or do the online course you have been wanting to do for sometime. Possibilities are endless with technology at our hands.
This is a wonderful and rare opportunity to create a different life for yourself.
10) State of Mind
Find ways of turning the current situation with all its adversities into an opportunity and a positive experience.
What you focus on - you will create and experience. Therefore pay attention to where you place your focus and attention.
We are hardwired to handle adversity and challenges and the place you find this resilience is within you.
Bring awareness to your state of mind and your natural ability to shift to a more positive state of mind the moment you look for it
RSS Feed