Tips for Working from Home

How often have you thought about working from home, getting rid of the commute, wearing what you want and working from your bed? It may seem like a great idea, but in reality, working remotely is not as easy as you think!

Here are some tips to get work done at home and keep both you and your boss happy.

• Set your alarm for the normal time that you would get up for work.

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• Get out of bed!

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• Have a wash and complete your routine as if you were going in to work – clothes associated with your workplace are optional.Wear whatever feels most comfortable for you but be mindful of your audience if you are required to do video conferencing calls.

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• Find somewhere in your home and dedicate that for work only. Not the sofa and not your bed.

  This could be a corner of the kitchen counter or dining table, or you might already have a desk area (don’t worry if you don’t). Also, try and sit upright in a chair so you look after your posture.

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• Set your environment – clear away the clutter, dishes from breakfast, stack of letters. Try to have a tidy area. This helps the mind focus – it’s hard already so don’t make it harder!

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• Reduce your mobile phone use – you’re at home, your boss can’t see you and so you can easily end up texting or using social media throughout the day.

  You wouldn’t be texting this much if you were at your place of work.

  Try to limit your phone use to your ‘break’ times. Hide your phone in a drawer or bag completely out of reach so you’re not tempted to use it.

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• Take regular breaks – if you’re used to working in a busy office, you won’t have those natural distractions / breaks in your day from chatting to work colleagues and attending meetings.

  Make sure you’re taking a 5-minute break every 25 minutes and a dedicated lunch break.

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• Adjust your working day – if your work allows, and you have other commitments at home (including home schooling, looking after any children or pets), try to adjust your working hours in a way that is convenient for you.

  This will help you manage your workload without worrying that you aren’t getting enough done within the traditional office hours.

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• Make sure you log off - once your working day is over, close your laptop, shut down your computer and tidy your papers away.

  If you normally commute to work and read or listen to an audiobook or music, try and do this at the start and end of the day.

  This helps to outline your working day and create greater separation between work and home and helps you to enjoy both more.

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• Remember – some days will be better than others. This is normal and it’s ok. Don’t be hard on yourself. There is always tomorrow.

All the best! Try to enjoy the best working from home has to offer, while still giving your workplace the best you have to offer.