10 tips for working from home

With the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic still in full swing, working from home has become inevitable for many. While some workplaces have now chosen to return to the office, many are still implementing work from home practices. Working from home is an art some may struggle to master, this post will guide you through some tips and tricks to nail the work from home life.

While it may be tempting to stay in comfortable pyjamas all day, only changing your top half for a Zoom meeting isn't a good habit to get into. Changing into your work clothes tells your brain it’s out of sleep mode and into work mode. It also adds to a good morning routine which is crucial if you’re working from home. Some even recommend getting in uncomfortable clothes and shoes so when the clock hits 5 you can switch out of work mode and get back into something comfier.

If you’re working from your room try moving your space somewhere else. It could be the kitchen table or even in someone else's room, it’s extremely important to separate sleep space from workspace. Having the physical distinction between the two places can really help you wind down at the end of the day. It goes without saying working from bed isn’t a great idea either, your mind will get confused and you'll run into trouble sleeping.

It can be hard to get straight into work when you take out the usual commute time. It’s important to add extra steps into your morning routine that help you switch from sleep mode to work mode. Complete all your usual morning habits but try adding a few more, like a quick workout, online yoga class or walk.

Keeping the same hourly schedule each day can stop you from burning out and increase productivity. It’s easy to slip into the habit of working late because you’re at home. It’s important to maintain a good work-life balance so make sure you switch off at 5 or 6 each day.

As you have lost your colleagues in person, it can be easy to forget about breaks. Make sure you add this into your daily routine. Have your morning tea and lunch away from the screen and take some downtime.

Learn to enjoy working from home, soak up all the positives like not having your boss over your shoulder, being able to bake some muffins at lunch, take a gym class during the day and realise the time saved with emails that would usually be a meeting when you’re in the office. Having your own schedule is empowering and many find they end up loving.

For effortless remote working make sure you stay in touch with your team. With good communication, you’ll find the whole work from home thing easier. If you’re not already using tools like Slack, Zoom, Trello or shared calendars take a look at seeing what these could do for your work team.

You might feel isolated and lonely not working with your colleges and being surrounded by people all day. If your country is out of lockdown to make sure to catch up with friends more regularly than you normally would. If you’re still unable to socialise, you can organise online catch-ups with friends or colleagues.

If you're feeling unproductive, why not change your routine. While routine and structure are important, this doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. You might be most productive at 6 am followed by a 3-hour break, then back to work in the afternoon. Experiment and see what hours of the day you are most productive, this will look different for everyone.

It can be stressful combining your work and home space. There is no separation between the two, which can leave you feeling all your work stresses more. Make sure you add more relaxing activities into your day whether this is going for a run, practising meditation or reading a book before bed.