Staying productive when working from home. As we attempt to come to terms with how Covid-19 has reshaped the world as we know it, there’s no escaping that the effect on our everyday lives has been huge.
Faced with challenges the likes of which few of us have seen before, we’ve all been forced to adapt to the situation accordingly. The government’s social distancing measures mean the majority of the population are being asked to stay at home as much as possible while the authorities try to combat the spread of the virus.
Businesses are suffering, the healthcare system is under pressure and people are going weeks without seeing loved ones as well as being asked to work from home where feasible. If you’re one of the many now doing your job remotely, here’s a guide on how to remain productive during these difficult times.
Plan a routine
Although you’re no longer having to travel to work, it’s important to establish and maintain a routine throughout the week. Even acts as simple as setting an alarm, showering and getting dressed can make you feel ready to tackle the day ahead. Outside of work hours, it may also be beneficial to stick to your normal schedule as much as possible. Whether that be through meal planning, walking the dog or calling your parents, following a familiar pattern can help you retain a sense of equilibrium.
Set up a designated work space
If your home allows, it’s also worth working from a designated space that you treat as your ‘office’. Setting up on the sofa in front of the television might feel like an attractive prospect, but you’re likely to get distracted and sitting with a laptop perched on your knee may not be good for your neck and spine. Instead, consider using the kitchen table or the spare room and at the end of the day, remove yourself from that area to reinforce the feeling of leaving work behind for the evening.
See my ideas on setting up a home office.
Get comfortable
With no face-to-face meetings to attend and no office dress code to abide by, you can afford to be more relaxed in your attire. If you find your typical office wear a little too formal, perhaps decide on something more comfortable and colourful. That might mean skirts, blouses and loose-fitting trousers for women, while men might turn to their leisure or knitwear collections.
Take regular breaks
It’s unlikely that you would be glued to your chair for an entire day in the office, and there’s no reason for that to change now that you’re working from home. The importance of taking regular breaks cannot be overstated – even if it’s just five minutes away from your screen for a cup of tea or a half-hour hiatus to do a spot of yoga. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial that we look after ourselves and taking a frequent breather is a great way to do that.
Are you working from home? Do you have any tips to share?
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post
That are great tips! Yes, a designated workplace is essential to stay productive and focused. While you can successfully use a kitchen table for this, I would suggest you consider visiting coworking spaces to work. Coworking space is an alternative place to the regular office, but you can meet employees of different companies, freelancers, and students here. In addition, there is a comfortable working environment, which makes it easier to tune into work mode.