[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]
Working from Home – 8 Top Tips for making it through the day and achieving all you want
This week has seen a dramatic increase in people working from home, not just here in the UK but across the globe.
So how do we get used to the new (albeit) norm? The joy of not having to do the daily commute may be short lived if you’re struggling to strike a balance so we’ve pulled together some top tips for staying sane and getting the best out of the new work routine.
1. Create a new morning routine
Whether it is getting dressed as if you are going into work, having a shower and then reading the paper, or writing your to-do list, it is important to create a routine which works in the new circumstance. It allows you to focus and think about your goals for the day, before it gets underway.
2. Have a calm dedicated workspace
Create a dedicated work-space that is free of distractions so you can concentrate and stay focussed when you’re at home — and try not to go to your home office space outside of working hours and vice versa to really keep that separation.
If there are a number of you in the household, agree your own spaces and respect them.
3. Plan a schedule
Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean your day shouldn’t be structured. It is helpful during these unpredictable times, to retain a sense of control and discipline. A schedule you commit to, helps you to feel on top of the day and have clarity on what you are aiming to achieve.
If you have kids at home with you, and they are old enough to understand, make sure they know your schedule, and encourage them to set one for themselves.
If you are juggling with the care of little ones, agree a schedule with your partner so you take it in turns with the childcare, and each get the opportunity to progress other tasks each day.
4. Factor in breaks
Take time to breathe, relax, and enjoy your surroundings. Set alarms for 10 minute breaks to move, to stretch, to get fresh air, and disconnect from tech devices. Make sure you stop for lunch too! If others in you household are also working from home, or perhaps you have children or relatives staying with you, arrange specific times when you come back together to chat.
Having breaks allows you to re-focus your brain.
5. Keep moving
A healthy body, leads to a healthy mind! Make sure you build in time to exercise and get the blood pumping! Carrying out physical household tasks can also help to break up the day, and get you moving. Empty the dishwasher, hang up your washing, hoover the floor. The achievement of simple tasks will give you a sense of accomplishment, no matter how small.
6. Manage client’s and employer’s expectations
We are all going to be juggling many things over the coming months, especially once the kids aren’t at school. Managing the expectations of clients, colleagues and managers will help smooth the path. Make sure they know when you’re able to answer emails, texts, or calls.
Set your out of office to notify people of new hours or set time limits of when you anticipate being able to respond. These tools don’t just have to be for holiday notifications.
7. Mix it up
Find a secondary place in your house to carry out certain work tasks, for example, a reading area to run through something you have drafted or are researching. A change of scenery helps you get fresh perspective.
8. Speak to People
Socialising is really important when working from home. Feeling connected and supported prevents feelings of isolation. Make sure you call people, or have at least one video call scheduled in a day. If you are at home with others, factor in time to catch up, or just bounce ideas off each other. Key to keeping sane and connected is having someone to talk to besides your dog!
https://www.igniumconsult.com/lets-talk/
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]