COVID-19 has forced most people to work-from-home. Some are loving not having to commute, snacks on hand and the comfy new work environment. Others spend most of their billable hours wondering when this will all end.
If you find yourself in the latter category, don’t stress! You’re not alone.
We’ve put together our five top tips to ensure you stay safe and sane during this bizarre time in our world.
Your workstation
Setting up a good working environment is the first step to ensuring your work-from-home experience isn’t too dreadful.
It’s likely that you’ll need to communicate frequently and efficiently whilst working from home. Making sure you are set up within range of your Wi-Fi, you’ve got an extra screen and external keyboard and mouse can make your life so much easier. If you’re going to be on video calls or frequently presenting via video chat, you should ensure that your background is as professional as possible. Getting your technology in order is the first step to creating an optimal workstation.
Try and manage as many environmental factors as possible. Ensure you have a good amount of natural light, and that it doesn’t reflect off your screens. If it’s possible, invest in a good chair to ensure your sitting in a posture that is helpful for your back and neck. And take[PR1] the time to make sure it’s not too hot or cold in the room. Ensuring all these elements are controlled will help improve your focus on getting the job done!
Take regular breaks
When you work from home you forget how often you get interrupted by a conversation or get distracted by an office related problem. When working from home we become a lot more sedentary.
Moving is important!
Putting triggers into place can remind us to get up and move during the day to help break up the time spent in front of the screen. That can be using reminders on your phone or getting up every time your water bottle is empty.
General exercise is crucial as well! Try switching your commute time for a walk around the block.
It can also be good for helping your brain solve problems quicker!
Set boundaries between work and home
Working from home sometimes means that you’re never home from work. There is a real danger that you might end up working much longer days. One way to help set the boundaries between work and home is by setting up a designated space, this can help you physically set distance between a work part of the house and the home part of your house. Avoid working from your bedroom or bed as it can blur the lines between working and resting. Additionally, setting timers on your work notifications can be helpful at drawing the lines between work and play.
Getting to know your new WFH colleagues
Now that you’re working from home, you’re going to be seeing a whole lot more of the people you live with, whether that’s your partner, immediate family or housemates. Spending increased amounts of time with these people can sometimes lead to increased tension and relational strain. It’s best to take the time to communicate openly and honestly about the changes in working environments and collaborate to come up with healthy ways to both enjoy this increased time together, while making sure you get the time you need alone.
Communicate regularly
In these uncertain times, communication is key. Doesn’t matter whether you’re an individual or a business. Honest communication is the best way to soothe the unpredictability and anxiety permeating our workplaces and communities. Try to communicate with your managers and colleagues, video calling is the closest to a real conversation you can have. Make sure you are open to receiving these calls. Whether it’s Zoom, Skype for Business or Microsoft Teams, use your organisations communication channel to set up company lunch dates, Zumba sessions or trivia. This will help those company extroverts get their social fix and help generate a sense of normalcy in these strange times.
These are just a few ways you and your team can avoid going crazy during these uncertain times. The most important thing to know is that you are not alone. The entire world is adapting to this temporary new environment and we’re all trying the best we can.
Stay health, stay positive and stay at home!